tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82083100446535184142018-03-06T05:26:30.422-08:00Making Over the MartinsJessnoreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-58767711192592782032013-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:002013-01-21T15:14:33.945-08:00DIY Household Cleaners<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWQWwzOe8dk/UPg8cSKLXXI/AAAAAAAAB6o/HnDZCZQBzyU/s1600/cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWQWwzOe8dk/UPg8cSKLXXI/AAAAAAAAB6o/HnDZCZQBzyU/s400/cleaner.jpg" /></a></div><br />For my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/clean-and-organized-2013-challenge.html">Clean and Organize 2013 Challenge</a>, I have put together my cleaners all in one place, easy to take from room to room when cleaning.<br /><br />Here are the cleaners I use:<br /><br />* <b>50% Vinegar, 50% Water</b> - in a spray bottle<br /><br />* <b>Baking Soda</b> - I put it in a shaker I found at the Dollar Store (looks like the ones used in restaurants for parmesan cheese)<br /><br />* <b><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/10/pinterest-shower-cleaner.html">Tub/Shower Cleaner</a></b> - in a spray bottle (I posted about this cleaner <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/10/pinterest-shower-cleaner.html">here</a>)<br /><br />* <b>All-Purpose Cleaner</b> - in spray bottle (recipe below)<br /><br />* <b>Window/Glass Cleaner</b> - store brand<br /><br />* <b>Sponges</b><br /><br />* <b>Microfiber cloths and/or rags</b><br /><br />* <b>Small brush</b> (mine is a grout cleaner, I believe, but you can use an old toothbrush)<br /><br />* <b>Swiffer Duster</b> (I forgot to include this in the picture, but I do keep it in this bucket as well)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY5xrytGl8E/UPhA7S8rUnI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/dJA_w2FLpoo/s1600/cleaners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cY5xrytGl8E/UPhA7S8rUnI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/dJA_w2FLpoo/s400/cleaners.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ever since I made my own <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/02/homemade-laundry-soap.html">laundry detergent</a>, I have been trying out different recipes for homemade cleaners as well (I've also, <i>very unsuccesfully</i>, been experimenting with homemade shampoos and body washes - someday I'll get it).<br /><br />I posted about the Tub/Shower cleaner <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/10/pinterest-shower-cleaner.html">here</a> and have continued to use it ever since. I primarily use it for the tub and shower (<i>duh</i>), however, it works well on greasy areas (like the oven hood). You really could use it on all of your surfaces, but it isn't necessary and it's more expensive than just vinegar and water or vinegar and baking soda. It is also soapy and foamy and takes a little more effort to rinse clean.<br /><br />I use the vinegar and baking soda combo when I need a little more scrubbing action. I just sprinkle the baking soda over the area, then spray the vinegar solution, let it fizz, then scrub it off. You can use this combo on just about anything (even carpets), but baking soda is abrasive, so don't use it on surfaces that should not use abrasive cleaners (i.e. glass top stoves).<br /><br />I've recently tried a new recipe for an all-purpose cleaner:<br /><br />1 cup Water<br />1 cup Vinegar<br />4 Tbsp Lemon Juice<br />15 drops Tea Tree Oil<br /><br />Tea Tree oil is a germicide, fungicide and anti-bacterial. The vinegar also kills mold, germs and viruses making this cleaner especially useful during the cold and flu season for wiping down door knobs and light switches. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJYl5Fqq-s/UPhL3Hsc5-I/AAAAAAAAB8g/NlWv3e9jbgE/s1600/allpurpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJYl5Fqq-s/UPhL3Hsc5-I/AAAAAAAAB8g/NlWv3e9jbgE/s400/allpurpose.jpg" /></a></div><br />You can use this cleaner the same way you would the vinegar and water solution. I kind of like the smell of the tea tree oil after cleaning, where sometimes the straight vinegar smell bothers me(although, it does dissipate quickly).<br /><br />I have not yet tried out any homemade window cleaner recipes which is why I just have a store bought window cleaner in there.<br /><br />All of my spray bottles are from the dollar store (similar bottles are $4-5 at Target). You may also notice that they are all less than half full. I do this because my kids are a little heavy-handed in their use of cleaners, so if the bottle isn't full, there is less for them to waste. Feel free to fill your bottles if you don't have this problem :)<br /><br />Alrighty. All ready for cleaning!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwQlnYVSrc0/UPhF2f5aKQI/AAAAAAAAB74/v1Q3pDcXm1M/s1600/revived-vintage-chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwQlnYVSrc0/UPhF2f5aKQI/AAAAAAAAB74/v1Q3pDcXm1M/s400/revived-vintage-chalkboard.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/clean-and-organized-2013-challenge.html">Clean and Organized 2013 Challenge</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a><br /><br><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-56456676447959340942013-01-15T21:39:00.001-08:002013-01-21T15:16:56.570-08:00New Hampshire Bread and Butter Pudding<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNLClWjQEi4/UPY71b9I-mI/AAAAAAAAB5o/OoZJ8R9_qR0/s1600/cooked%2Bbread%2Bpudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNLClWjQEi4/UPY71b9I-mI/AAAAAAAAB5o/OoZJ8R9_qR0/s400/cooked%2Bbread%2Bpudding.jpg" /></a></div><br />This was our dessert in <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-corn-chowder.html">New Hampshire</a> on our <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour</a>. This recipe comes from <a href="http://www.nhmade.com/desserts.cfm#bread">Candlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast </a>in Bradford, NH.<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />1/3 cup raisins<br />5 smalll rolls, cubed, toasted<br />1/2 cup butter, melted<br />2 eggs<br />2/3 cup sugar<br />2 cups milk<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1 tsp cinnamon, divided<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br /><br />Grease a 1 quart casserole dish (I used butter), line with raisins. Dip bread cubes into melted butter and arrange on top of raisins.<br /><br />The recipe called for 5 slices of stale bread, I used little rolls I found in the bakery instead. I cubed them up, then toasted them (since they were fresh, not stale).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWcEccrp24Y/UPY5tR2YWJI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/DBkaXYcgfnU/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWcEccrp24Y/UPY5tR2YWJI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/DBkaXYcgfnU/s400/bread.jpg" /></a></div><br />The recipe calls for 1/4 cup melted butter, but that was not enough to dip each piece of bread, so I ended up using 1/2 cup butter instead (this may be because I used rolls instead of sliced bread and may have ended up with a lot more bread than I was supposed to).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOyf1iNU-WU/UPY6AhPlryI/AAAAAAAAB4c/_NOv9wuKrU8/s1600/bread%2Bover%2Braisins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOyf1iNU-WU/UPY6AhPlryI/AAAAAAAAB4c/_NOv9wuKrU8/s400/bread%2Bover%2Braisins.jpg" /></a></div><br />Beat remaining ingredients (except 1/2 tsp. cinnamon)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqiNhMZT_j4/UPY6XnvafrI/AAAAAAAAB4o/V0aVotabJ3g/s1600/eggs%2Bmilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqiNhMZT_j4/UPY6XnvafrI/AAAAAAAAB4o/V0aVotabJ3g/s400/eggs%2Bmilk.jpg" /></a></div><br />I used 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup half and half (I had a 1/2 cup left over from the <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-corn-chowder.html">Corn Chowder</a> and wanted to use it up).<br /><br />Pour mixture over bread and press down a little to make sure all of the bread soaks up the liquid. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon over top. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ_wPA53Ru4/UPY7g_uo-6I/AAAAAAAAB44/bmGktQlsnwU/s1600/pour%2Bover%2Bbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ_wPA53Ru4/UPY7g_uo-6I/AAAAAAAAB44/bmGktQlsnwU/s400/pour%2Bover%2Bbread.jpg" /></a></div><br />Place casserole dish inside a pan of hot water and bake at 375 for about 45min.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1pmB6ybY08/UPY7nXqjJRI/AAAAAAAAB5E/vX8obu1KsWY/s1600/bread%2Band%2Bbutter%2Bpudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1pmB6ybY08/UPY7nXqjJRI/AAAAAAAAB5E/vX8obu1KsWY/s400/bread%2Band%2Bbutter%2Bpudding.jpg" /></a></div><br />It was delicious!<br /><br />Check out our <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-corn-chowder.html">New Hampshire Corn Chowder recipe</a>, before heading to Vermont!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxT4jNApzBc/UPY8Z8H4gBI/AAAAAAAAB6A/sfN_JPLJ_T8/s1600/food_truck-1969px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxT4jNApzBc/UPY8Z8H4gBI/AAAAAAAAB6A/sfN_JPLJ_T8/s400/food_truck-1969px.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour USA</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a><br /><br><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-23046198058044686872013-01-15T21:06:00.002-08:002013-01-21T15:16:56.567-08:00New Hampshire Corn Chowder<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tiPfpCXIAB4/UPYto0BneOI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/ZWsn09Tyn2k/s1600/corn%2Bchowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tiPfpCXIAB4/UPYto0BneOI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/ZWsn09Tyn2k/s400/corn%2Bchowder.jpg" /></a></div><br />New Hampshire is the second state on our <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour</a> and was a little more difficult to find a specific food that it's famous for. New Hampshire and Vermont shared a lot of the same foods as did all of New England. We saved maple syrup for Vermont (hint for next week's recipe). I came across a corn chowder recipe at <a href="http://www.ourgrandmotherskitchens.com/?p=5917">Our Grandmother's Kitchen</a> and decided on that for New Hampshire.<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />5 pieces bacon<br />1 onion, finely chopped<br />1 red bell pepper<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 1/2 lb small red potatoes, quartered<br />5 cups corn (or 3 cans)<br />4 cups chicken stock<br />2 cups water<br />salt and pepper<br />1 1/2 cup milk (or 1/2 and 1/2)<br />green onions for garnish<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />Brown bacon pieces in large pot, drain on paper towels, pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving a small amount to sautee vegetables in.<br /><br />Sautee onions in bacon fat, then add peppers and garlic until soft.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhG3eUUz6uU/UPYw4nNyw3I/AAAAAAAAB1A/I5BDvG6FUPc/s1600/IMAG0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhG3eUUz6uU/UPYw4nNyw3I/AAAAAAAAB1A/I5BDvG6FUPc/s400/IMAG0481.jpg" /></a></div><br />Add potatoes, toss to coat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4fCZit8cAY/UPYyC6n8vjI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/rLArtdROZhI/s1600/IMAG0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4fCZit8cAY/UPYyC6n8vjI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/rLArtdROZhI/s400/IMAG0482.jpg" /></a></div><br />Add corn, broth and water, bacon pieces and pepper (wait to add salt at the end). Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat, simmer 30 min.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVZKhb4YM7A/UPYxxqmi38I/AAAAAAAAB1M/azE3kZDNNMI/s1600/broth%2Band%2Bwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVZKhb4YM7A/UPYxxqmi38I/AAAAAAAAB1M/azE3kZDNNMI/s400/broth%2Band%2Bwater.jpg" /></a></div><br />The original recipe said to use bacon pieces as garnish and to use all of the bacon fat in the soup. I opted to strain off almost all of the bacon fat, but add the bacon pieces into the soup, rather than use as garnish. However, if you want crispy bacon, wait to add it at the end instead.<br /><br />Puree soup in small batches (hot liquid expands in the blender, so be sure to keep the middle piece of the blender lid off to let out steam). The original recipe calls for puree-ing 1/3 of the soup. I did more than half because I wanted a smoother soup. My family was fighting over the big potato pieces, so maybe leaving more chunks would have been better :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRG6YDigcus/UPYzVw2SYFI/AAAAAAAAB2A/ai86wdCFXn8/s1600/puree%2Bsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRG6YDigcus/UPYzVw2SYFI/AAAAAAAAB2A/ai86wdCFXn8/s400/puree%2Bsoup.jpg" /></a></div><br />Add pureed soup back to pot, add milk (I used half and half) heat through, but don't boil. Add salt to taste.<br /><br />*Since I was cooking the bacon in the soup, I wanted to wait to add salt at the end so as not to over salt it. If you are using bacon as a garnish, you could add salt at the same time as pepper (before cooking for 30min).<br /><br />Garnish with green onion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xP5bL-_Vkw/UPYz_1VTIaI/AAAAAAAAB2M/Aqfkj6QvTpk/s1600/corn%2Bchowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xP5bL-_Vkw/UPYz_1VTIaI/AAAAAAAAB2M/Aqfkj6QvTpk/s400/corn%2Bchowder.jpg" /></a></div><br />This was the perfect week for a warm, comforting soup as it has been absolutely <b>FREEZING</b> here this week.<br /><br />I would definitely make this again and everyone loved it and went back for more. I think something a little spicy (like some jalapeno) would be a nice addition (but not very New Hampshire-esque).<br /><br />For dessert in New Hampshire, we had <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-bread-and-butter-pudding.html">Bread and Butter Pudding</a>(very much worth checking out!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wFB8kRv51s/UPY05fP5t0I/AAAAAAAAB2c/KOpQFDdbfFA/s1600/food_truck-1969px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wFB8kRv51s/UPY05fP5t0I/AAAAAAAAB2c/KOpQFDdbfFA/s400/food_truck-1969px.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour USA</a><br /><br />Next Stop: Vermont<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a><br /><br><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-5778831409499875882013-01-10T13:22:00.000-08:002013-01-21T15:16:21.601-08:00Cleaning the Garbage Disposal<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFh-rgk5qo/UO8yN5zpbiI/AAAAAAAABzY/hBxJnGjBgEg/s1600/lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFh-rgk5qo/UO8yN5zpbiI/AAAAAAAABzY/hBxJnGjBgEg/s400/lemons.jpg" /></a></div><br />The first cleaning task of my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/clean-and-organized-2013-challenge.html">Clean and Organized Challenge</a> is the garbage disposal. Check out the post from <a href="http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2013/01/the-home-organization-diet-cleaning.html">Clean and Scentsible</a> about cleaning the "garburator" (That makes me laugh. I've never heard it called that before :) and the microwave.<br /><br />Start by running the disposal quickly to clear out any food that may be in there. Then, pour some baking soda and then vinegar and let sit (and listen to the fizz :), then run the disposal with hot water to help loosen anything that may be stuck on there. Use an old toothbrush to clean the under side of the rubber guard over the disposal. Food that gets stuck under there can cause it to smell. <br /><br />And that's all you need to do to clean it. Vinegar is a germ killer and a deodorizer, but if you like to use another method for deodorizing in addition to the vinegar, run some citrus rinds through there.<br /><br />Here's what each of these things do for your garbage disposal:<br /><br />1.<b>Lemon/Limes/Oranges</b> – Place a couple halves of lemons or limes in the garbage disposal and process them through. The acid from the citrus will remove the odor and leave your disposal smelling much fresher. The oils from the rinds will also freshen it up, so you don't have to use the whole fruit. <br /><br />2.<b>Baking Soda</b> – Baking soda is well known for its odor absorbency and can be added to other items being processed through the disposal to aid in odor removal.<br /><br />3.<b>Vinegar Ice</b> – Fill an ice cube tray with vinegar and freeze. Place a couple of ice cubes in the disposal and process with cold water. Be sure to label the remaining cubes or someone may get a surprise in their beverage! <br /><br />4.<b>Ice/Salt</b> – Place some ice in the garbage disposal and sprinkle with rock salt or 1 cup of vinegar. Process the ice through the disposal with plenty of cold water. <br /><br />I've read in several places that ice in the garbage disposal helps to keep the blades sharp, so #3 and #4 would work for that.<br /><br />Today, I decided to try frozen lemon rinds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mbIBWOIC2I/UO8v4N9lsvI/AAAAAAAAByU/i2MjwuWWP_A/s1600/lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mbIBWOIC2I/UO8v4N9lsvI/AAAAAAAAByU/i2MjwuWWP_A/s400/lemons.jpg" /></a></div><br />There was a crazy sale on lemons at the Farmer's Market, so I made lemonade. I didn't want to just throw away all of those lemon rinds, so I froze them. Today, I ran them through the garbage disposal to freshen it up and sharpen the blades. I only used a handful, so I still have several in my freezer for next time it needs freshening up :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-88819332501445006482013-01-10T12:47:00.001-08:002013-01-21T15:17:44.466-08:00Clean and Organized 2013 Challenge<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSoKldRH534/UO8eYl1ad_I/AAAAAAAABvg/7ts1naf14y4/s1600/revived-vintage-chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSoKldRH534/UO8eYl1ad_I/AAAAAAAABvg/7ts1naf14y4/s400/revived-vintage-chalkboard.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you know from many of my posts, I am always on a quest to be more organized. Many times that quest involves a lot of wishing and hoping and looking at pinterest, but not a lot of <i>doing</i>. Well, that's kind of me :)<br /><br />So, for 2013, I have resolved to get clean and organized and, of course, blog about it. Now you may remember that in 2012, I had a similar goal. So nice of you to notice. It's true. And the reality is, it will likely be my goal in 2014 too. But, let's not forget 2012 was not all a wash in this area. I did actually get some organizing projects done and they are still working for me today!<br /><br />My <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/01/kitchen-pantry-reveal.html">Kitchen Pantry</a> came as a result of another blogger's challenge and it has remained organized and functional even a year later.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hY2WRLnk2W4/UO8gTP8qj_I/AAAAAAAABwE/md5yo3DQbQw/s1600/pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hY2WRLnk2W4/UO8gTP8qj_I/AAAAAAAABwE/md5yo3DQbQw/s400/pantry.jpg" /></a></div><br />I also made a kitchen drawer into a <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2011/02/school-lunch-station.html">School Lunch Station</a>. Ok, yeah, so that was in 2011. I guess I do about 1 organizing project a year. But, we still use that lunch station and it still looks clean and organized.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHdwjTqk9uI/UO8xJB31XNI/AAAAAAAABy8/-05IJ8rRLf8/s1600/lunch%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHdwjTqk9uI/UO8xJB31XNI/AAAAAAAABy8/-05IJ8rRLf8/s400/lunch%2Bstation.jpg" /></a></div><br />I swapped out the bigger white utensil baskets for smaller black baskets and added one for straws (not so much for school, but because I like to use straws a lot around the house).<br /><br />Now those white baskets are in my pantry holding boxes of jello and dry mix packets. The skinny black baskets just worked better for the utensils. <br /><br />Onto this year's challenge: <br /><br />Clean and Scentsible is hosting the <a href="http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2012/12/the-household-organization-diet.html">Household Organization Diet</a> which is the total inspiration for my challenge. She is having us focus on one area of the house each month. January is the kitchen.<br /><br />Before starting the challenge, she had us make a binder with 13 tabs (one for each month and one for notes). So, here is my binder:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sT1nsCcQ_Y/UO8nYIoxC1I/AAAAAAAABxU/taFuywUmh1U/s1600/binder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sT1nsCcQ_Y/UO8nYIoxC1I/AAAAAAAABxU/taFuywUmh1U/s400/binder.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cheapest 1 1/2 " binder at Staples<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TTEG8DC8m0/UO8nzL0992I/AAAAAAAABxg/N-44MzbOSW8/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TTEG8DC8m0/UO8nzL0992I/AAAAAAAABxg/N-44MzbOSW8/s400/cover.jpg" /></a></div><br />Slide in my little cover page and add some tabs<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntGaxFVh06E/UO8oC9IpSUI/AAAAAAAABxs/bnSTXax1m6Q/s1600/tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntGaxFVh06E/UO8oC9IpSUI/AAAAAAAABxs/bnSTXax1m6Q/s400/tabs.jpg" /></a></div><br />And there it is. I kept my tabs blank at this point because I am not completely sure if I will organize my binder in the same way she does. I want to play around with it and decide on the best system for our household, so they are blank for now. I'll keep you posted on my binder progress as I go.<br /><br />To get started, Clean and Scentsible also had us get our <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-household-cleaners.html">cleaners organized</a>. Check out mine <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-household-cleaners.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><b><i>Kitchen Projects for January:</i>:</b><br /><br />Clean and Organize under the kitchen sink<br /><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/cleaning-garbage-disposal.html">Clean Garbage Disposal</a><br />Clean and Organize Kitchen Cabinets<br />Clean and Organize Refrigerator<br />Organize the Junk Drawer<br />Tile Floor Face Lift<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-57023714520694940052013-01-07T08:59:00.001-08:002013-01-21T15:18:32.142-08:00Maine Blueberry Muffins<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX8o3gNyrlY/UOr44ijv_wI/AAAAAAAABs4/GjyIPBA4MwM/s1600/muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX8o3gNyrlY/UOr44ijv_wI/AAAAAAAABs4/GjyIPBA4MwM/s400/muffins.jpg" /></a></div><br />Since Maine is a big producer of blueberries, several of the Maine recipes I came across included blueberries. So, naturally, we had to have some blueberry muffins on our <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour</a> while in Maine.<br /><br />This recipe came from the <a href="http://www.swanhouse.com/recipes/blueberry_muffins.html">Swan House Bed and Breakfast </a>in Camden, Maine.<br /><br />They were super easy and super tasty!<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />1/2 cup butter, softened<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1/2 cup milk<br />2 cups flour<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />2 cups fresh blueberries<br />cinnamon/sugar for topping<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br /><br />With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVaAkXGWbk8/UOr6ecrizFI/AAAAAAAABtc/K0KUsspiKgo/s1600/butter%2Bsugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVaAkXGWbk8/UOr6ecrizFI/AAAAAAAABtc/K0KUsspiKgo/s400/butter%2Bsugar.jpg" /></a></div><br />beat in eggs, vanilla, and milk. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAtUUS2Csmg/UOr8AenydGI/AAAAAAAABuA/-AFJ9t6V_Xs/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAtUUS2Csmg/UOr8AenydGI/AAAAAAAABuA/-AFJ9t6V_Xs/s400/eggs.jpg" /></a></div><br />The wet stage of this recipe came out kind of strange for me. I almost tossed it and started over because I thought I messed up a step or something. I didn't have enough eggs to start over, so I just kept going and they turned out wonderful. So, if the wet ingredients don't seem right to you, if you followed these directions, it'll turn out great.<br /><br />In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oow2mlHFxKQ/UOr8RBk5PSI/AAAAAAAABuM/zfU612G_Lpo/s1600/dry%2Bingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oow2mlHFxKQ/UOr8RBk5PSI/AAAAAAAABuM/zfU612G_Lpo/s400/dry%2Bingredients.jpg" /></a></div><br />Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients by hand (not mixer). Stir until all ingredients are incorporated. Fold in blueberries.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlShRSl3NOQ/UOr8fllmU1I/AAAAAAAABuY/f-Kt8vm_zCQ/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlShRSl3NOQ/UOr8fllmU1I/AAAAAAAABuY/f-Kt8vm_zCQ/s400/blueberries.jpg" /></a></div><br />Fill lined muffin tins to the top. Sprinkle tops with 1/3 tsp. cinnamon/sugar mixture (the <a href="http://www.swanhouse.com/recipes/blueberry_muffins.html">original recipe</a> says to bake, then brush tops with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar. I just did it before baking instead). Bake for 27 min until tops are lightly browned.<br /><br />If you can stand it, wait until cool before stuffing in your face. And, if you're like my son, you'll think these are great dunked in milk.<br /><br />Be sure to check out our other <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-lobster-linguine.html">Maine recipe </a>on our Food Tour USA stop in Maine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpaX2-QeuO4/UOr90e-kSwI/AAAAAAAABu8/BrsEP2TYePc/s1600/food_truck-1969px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpaX2-QeuO4/UOr90e-kSwI/AAAAAAAABu8/BrsEP2TYePc/s400/food_truck-1969px.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour USA<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do Party" /></a><br /></center><center><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><a href="http://lilluna.com" title="Lil\'Luna"><img src="http://lilluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lilluna_linking_up.jpg" alt="Lil\'Luna" title="Lil\'Luna" style="border:none;" /></a><br /><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a> <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-60802359614168983832013-01-06T20:02:00.001-08:002013-01-21T15:18:57.658-08:00Maine Lobster Linguine<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5H0XTkseoc/UOo9LNy_JXI/AAAAAAAABoQ/45aIlfchHZM/s1600/linguine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A5H0XTkseoc/UOo9LNy_JXI/AAAAAAAABoQ/45aIlfchHZM/s400/linguine.jpg" /></a></div><br />Our first stop on our U.S. Food tour is Maine. So, of course, we made Lobster! This was a first for our family. We bought live lobsters from our local asian market (I'm certain these lobsters came straight from Maine, though). Thanks to my husband who had the task of purchasing the lobsters, bringing them home and putting them in the sink, then into the boiling water. All of that was just way too scary for me.<br /><br />Between screams, I managed to snap a picture of the lobsters as they were splashing all around in the sink:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7x86ksz7zzU/UOo9p-rfCgI/AAAAAAAABow/ldNDl7OpwOw/s1600/lobsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7x86ksz7zzU/UOo9p-rfCgI/AAAAAAAABow/ldNDl7OpwOw/s400/lobsters.jpg" /></a></div><br />Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil, drop in the lobster, cover and boil for 15min. We cooked our lobsters individually because we didn't have a large enough pot for both. Our lobsters were about 1.5 lbs. A 1 lb lobster should cook for about 12-15min, a larger lobster (1.5-2 lbs) should cook for 15-20min.<br /><br />Here they are cooked:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20Rq3mbBV3s/UOo-rdEavAI/AAAAAAAABpA/zPHDDmlWlaA/s1600/cooked%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20Rq3mbBV3s/UOo-rdEavAI/AAAAAAAABpA/zPHDDmlWlaA/s400/cooked%2Blobster.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then, I followed these directions for getting the meat from the cooked lobster:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BnyI6dokK3M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />The recipe for Lobster Linguine came from the <a href="http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/campfire-classic-12032.aspx">Maine Lobster Council's </a>website.<br /><br />It's under campfire classic and some of the directions include cooking the lobster at camp. I don't know what kind of cooking equipment people in Maine take camping with them, but I'm pretty sure this is not a recipe I'd ever try to make at a campfire.<br /><br />So, I just followed the recipe almost exactly as written, minus that campfire part. And we LOVED it! Here are the ingredients and instructions as I did them, which are only very slightly different than the <a href="http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/campfire-classic-12032.aspx">original recipe</a>.<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />1 lb linguine<br />2-3 Tbsp olive oil<br />10 cloves garlic, chopped<br />4 Tbsp butter<br />2 Tbsp olive oil<br />1 cup chardonnay<br />1 Tbsp anchovy paste<br />4 scallions, chopped<br />1 red bell pepper, chopped<br />10 large basil leaves, torn<br />1 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped into bite sized pieces (I don't know if this was a pound of meat, it was 2 lobsters, more than enough meat for this amount of pasta)<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />cayenne pepper to taste<br />1 cup parmesan cheese, grated<br />1/2 cup pine nuts<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />1. Cook linguine al dente, strain and toss with 2-3 Tbsp olive oil Cook lobster and shell as in video above<br />2. Heat 4Tbsp butter and 2Tbsp olive oil (you can substitute some or all of the butter with more olive oil, but lobster connoisseur's insist lobster is eaten with butter)<br />3. Add garlic, keep on medium heat and lower if garlic starts to brown<br />4. Add chardonnay, then anchovy paste (let reduce about 5-7min)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2TasDYdED4/UOpEirhHPHI/AAAAAAAABqE/FAdyFNTg2-0/s1600/anchovie%2Bpaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2TasDYdED4/UOpEirhHPHI/AAAAAAAABqE/FAdyFNTg2-0/s400/anchovie%2Bpaste.jpg" /></a></div>(the original recipe called for 2-3Tbsp of anchovy paste, I only used 1 because I had never used it before and it scared me a bit)<br /><br />5. Add scallions and red pepper, cook 5min.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuaYcXtMs5E/UOpFHbHySWI/AAAAAAAABqQ/NvI6_ffkFoQ/s1600/garlic%2Bonions%2Bbell%2Bpepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuaYcXtMs5E/UOpFHbHySWI/AAAAAAAABqQ/NvI6_ffkFoQ/s400/garlic%2Bonions%2Bbell%2Bpepper.jpg" /></a></div><br />6. Add basil, lobster pieces, linguine, salt, pepper, and cayenne, toss to coat in sauce<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gX9EUBT1OPs/UOpFb9CW3uI/AAAAAAAABqc/F6hCBr-2j9o/s1600/basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gX9EUBT1OPs/UOpFb9CW3uI/AAAAAAAABqc/F6hCBr-2j9o/s400/basil.jpg" /></a></div><br />7. Add parmesan cheese and pine nuts, remove from heat and serve<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h7ppswcf6M/UOpIW5DmG8I/AAAAAAAABrU/NAHDzS7JncQ/s1600/linguine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h7ppswcf6M/UOpIW5DmG8I/AAAAAAAABrU/NAHDzS7JncQ/s400/linguine.jpg" /></a></div><br />It was soooo good! I'll definitely be using this recipe in the future with shrimp or even just add more veggies. It's a great sauce! And homemade lobster was definitely worth the effort and expense (and freak out).<br /><br />And while in Maine, we had <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-blueberry-muffins.html">blueberry muffins</a> for dessert, so check those out too - YUM!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHZ00tLqD04/UOpIvLYZnJI/AAAAAAAABrw/Gr2HZ2IAEXU/s1600/food_truck-1969px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHZ00tLqD04/UOpIvLYZnJI/AAAAAAAABrw/Gr2HZ2IAEXU/s400/food_truck-1969px.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-tour-usa.html">Food Tour USA</a><br /><br />Next stop: <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-corn-chowder.html">New Hampshire</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do Party" /></a><br /></center><center><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><a href="http://lilluna.com" title="Lil\'Luna"><img src="http://lilluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lilluna_linking_up.jpg" alt="Lil\'Luna" title="Lil\'Luna" style="border:none;" /></a><br /><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-514519493338319962013-01-06T19:07:00.000-08:002013-01-21T15:16:56.569-08:00Food Tour U.S.A.<br />Happy 2013!<br /><br />This year, I am taking a virtual tour around the U.S., preparing famous dishes from each state, every week. Our family is starting our tour in the Northeast. Since we live in the Southwest, we thought it would be fun to start somewhere far from home. Each week, I'll be posting the recipes we tried from each state.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29Ac5-eE0AY/UOki31UreKI/AAAAAAAABnc/e_XNtdMHwJ8/s1600/foodtruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29Ac5-eE0AY/UOki31UreKI/AAAAAAAABnc/e_XNtdMHwJ8/s400/foodtruck.jpg" /></a></div><br />First up is <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-lobster-linguine.html">Maine</a>, where we will of course, be having Lobster!<br /><br />Here's the food tour schedule, so far:<br /><br />Maine - <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-lobster-linguine.html">Lobster linguine</a>, <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-blueberry-muffins.html">blueberry muffins</a><br />New Hampshire - <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-corn-chowder.html">Corn Chowder</a>, <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-hampshire-bread-and-butter-pudding.html">Bread and Butter Pudding</a><br />Vermont<br />Massachusetts<br />Rhode Island<br />Connecticut<br />New York<br />Pennsylvania<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButtonUPDATEcopy.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://niftythriftythings.com" target="_blank"><img width="130" border="0px" src="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunday_button.png"/></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" title="I Heart Nap Time" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" alt="I Heart Nap Time" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do Party" /></a><br /></center><center><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><a href="http://lilluna.com" title="Lil\'Luna"><img src="http://lilluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lilluna_linking_up.jpg" alt="Lil\'Luna" title="Lil\'Luna" style="border:none;" /></a><br /><a border="0" href="http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee455/simplyklassic/Clean%20and%20%20Scentsible/CleanScentsiblePartyButton.png" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/' title='Somewhat Simple'><img alt='Somewhat Simple' src='http://www.somewhatsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/somewhatsimplelink-party.jpg' /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-61159339847177619162012-11-30T09:43:00.001-08:002012-11-30T20:16:42.277-08:00Mexican Stuffed Shells<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2bNjM9IrlQ/ULjlGV915VI/AAAAAAAABkg/SnY_JWEb1qY/s1600/IMAG0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2bNjM9IrlQ/ULjlGV915VI/AAAAAAAABkg/SnY_JWEb1qY/s400/IMAG0356.jpg" /></a></div><br />I saw this recipe over at <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/03/mexican-stuffed-shells.html">The Girl Who Ate Everything</a> blog. She has some really fun looking recipes that I am most definitely going to try.<br /><br />My family was <b><i>way</b></i> skeptical of these stuffed shells, but everyone loved them and approved of them going on the dinner rotation. <br /><br />Her recipe calls for ground turkey with taco seasoning, but I used my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/05/crock-pot-chicken-revisited.html">crockpot chicken</a>. Yes, I'm talking about that chicken again :)<br /><br />She also used taco sauce and I used enchilada sauce instead. Go check out her recipe b/c her pictures are much more appetizing than mine. <br /><br />Here's the recipe:<br /><br />1 box jumbo shell pasta<br />1 lb. <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/05/crock-pot-chicken-revisited.html">crockpot chicken</a> (you could use ground beef or turkey or any shredded chicken, then season to your taste)<br />1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened<br />1 can green enchilada sauce<br />2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br /><br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Prepare the shells according to package directions (salt the water to help prevent sticking), drain pasta and spread out on wax paper to prevent sticking.<br /><br />Mix the <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/05/crock-pot-chicken-revisited.html">crockpot chicken </a>with the package of cream cheese in a bowl.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mce6x_hQ6Pg/ULjoMxHNyWI/AAAAAAAABlE/ytYw2c-np9g/s1600/IMAG0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mce6x_hQ6Pg/ULjoMxHNyWI/AAAAAAAABlE/ytYw2c-np9g/s400/IMAG0353.jpg" /></a></div><br />Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan. Spoon the mixture into each shell and place in the pan.<br /><br />Pour more sauce over the top of the shells (I used most, but not all of my 15oz can of enchilada sauce).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JyjUr70zfY/ULjoyTgnmvI/AAAAAAAABlQ/htb9crQ9z4w/s1600/IMAG0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JyjUr70zfY/ULjoyTgnmvI/AAAAAAAABlQ/htb9crQ9z4w/s400/IMAG0354.jpg" /></a></div><br />Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20min.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bS7SpVz0OHQ/ULj6gcQC3qI/AAAAAAAABmM/Fb9l9I0QD5A/s1600/IMAG0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bS7SpVz0OHQ/ULj6gcQC3qI/AAAAAAAABmM/Fb9l9I0QD5A/s400/IMAG0355.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Remove the foil and bake uncovered another 10-15min until the cheese is bubbly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSa02Nznt5k/ULjpk8Od86I/AAAAAAAABlo/iUbY5d_Mvyo/s1600/IMAG0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="226" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSa02Nznt5k/ULjpk8Od86I/AAAAAAAABlo/iUbY5d_Mvyo/s400/IMAG0356.jpg" /></a></div><br />We served ours with sour cream on top. <br /><br />It's really a versatile recipe, you can use a variety of meats (or no meat and just use ricotta and cream cheese with mexican spices or taco seasoning) and whatever sauce you want and a mix of cheeses or just plain cheddar or whatever you fancy :)<br /><br />FUN!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net" ><img border="0" src="http://www.meetpenny.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/weekend-potluck-buttong.jpg" width="125"/></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><br /><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517 /CamilleBeckstrand/button3copy.jpg" alt="SixSistersStuff.com" width="150" height="150" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-29360598641870347572012-10-20T18:01:00.000-07:002012-10-22T21:14:57.706-07:00Pork and Ginger Potstickers<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IGOUSGQdR4/UIB_S2eQklI/AAAAAAAABf0/x_bAQcKk1VU/s1600/potstickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IGOUSGQdR4/UIB_S2eQklI/AAAAAAAABf0/x_bAQcKk1VU/s400/potstickers.jpg" /></a></div><br />I've had this recipe <i><b>forever</b></i>, so I have no idea the original source. I've tweaked it over the years as I have made these, so I guess it is now <b>MY</b> recipe.<br /><br />I don't make these often because they can be a little time consuming and because I just don't think about it much. But, they are not difficult to make (although, my husband says time consuming = difficult). They are so worth the extra effort though!<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />2 cups shredded cabbage<br />1/2 Tbsp. salt<br />1 lb. ground pork<br />2 Tbsp. minced ginger<br />1 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic<br />2 Tbsp. thin soy sauce<br />3 Tbsp. sesame oil<br />1 egg<br /><br />Goyza wrappers (you could also use wonton wrappers, they will just be a different shape)<br />1-2 cups chicken stock <br /><br />Dipping Sauce:<br /><br />2/3 cup soy sauce<br />2/3 cup rice wine vinegar<br />2/3 cup scallions, chopped<br />2 Tbsp. sesame oil<br />2 Tbsp. Sambal (I used Sriracha instead)<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />Sprinkle cabbage with salt and let sit 30min. Squeeze out as much water from the cabbage as you can.<br /><br />Mix all ingredients except stock in a mixing bowl.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHCWr5yyMAw/UIMlkCsRSkI/AAAAAAAABgc/i2wTQBXJuRA/s1600/meat%2Bmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHCWr5yyMAw/UIMlkCsRSkI/AAAAAAAABgc/i2wTQBXJuRA/s400/meat%2Bmix.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't take pictures of the process here, but I used fresh ginger and grated it with a fine grater. Fresh ginger is very strong, so keep that in mind. I have never made this using ground ginger or minced ginger that was not fresh. I think it would really change the final product. So, use fresh ginger.<br /><br />Place a small scoop in the middle of the wrapper, wet your finger (I have a small bowl of water near me) and wet the edge of the wrapper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ml2E0tKyA/UIMnynm967I/AAAAAAAABgo/HdBbpGd1LV4/s1600/wet%2Bwrapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6ml2E0tKyA/UIMnynm967I/AAAAAAAABgo/HdBbpGd1LV4/s400/wet%2Bwrapper.jpg" /></a></div><br />Fold the wrapper over (making a moon shape) and pinch the edges together to seal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEKyVQnpPdY/UIMoWIKj6yI/AAAAAAAABg0/w1inx0FHQ44/s1600/fold%2Band%2Bseal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEKyVQnpPdY/UIMoWIKj6yI/AAAAAAAABg0/w1inx0FHQ44/s400/fold%2Band%2Bseal.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is where it starts to get time consuming. The biggest issue is just that you have to cook them in small batches, so it takes a while.<br /><br />Coat your pan with sesame oil (you can use any oil really, but sesame is the best for this recipe). You are not trying to deep fry these things, so you just want to coat the bottom of the pan (sorry, no real measurement here - 2Tbsp, something like that). They naturally stick a little and that's ok, you want them to (that's why they're called potstickers, no really, that is why). You just don't want them to stick so much they burn or you can't get them off the pan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgcIiz176Cc/UINCrBfifhI/AAAAAAAABhc/zN9BMP6yHkA/s1600/pan%2Bfry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgcIiz176Cc/UINCrBfifhI/AAAAAAAABhc/zN9BMP6yHkA/s400/pan%2Bfry.jpg" /></a></div><br />Place them in the pan making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them brown on one side (a couple of min). I like to move them around a little and slide a spatula under them just to make sure they are not sticking too much. Once they have browned, pour a cup of chicken stock in the pan and immediately cover.<br /><br /><b>BE CAREFUL</b> this will cause all kinds of splattering, so have your lid ready and pour the stock and cover right away. Now, they will steam in the stock until fully cooked. After about 5min, if the liquid is totally evaporated, add more stock (or water). Cook until all the liquid has steamed off (about 7min total). <br /><br />This part of the recipe really depends on your pan. Mine took about 7min. I used 3 different pans b/c I was making them for a party and was impatient and didn't want to take forever cooking 5 at a time in one pan. Because I only had 2 pans with lids, the 3rd pan I just put foil over the top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHaovunCkw/UINEM8tx_XI/AAAAAAAABhk/7h-WBRiQczE/s1600/steam%2Blid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHaovunCkw/UINEM8tx_XI/AAAAAAAABhk/7h-WBRiQczE/s400/steam%2Blid.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGZvT0PmstY/UINESRnw-QI/AAAAAAAABhw/PNNYpYvdb1M/s1600/steam%2Bfoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGZvT0PmstY/UINESRnw-QI/AAAAAAAABhw/PNNYpYvdb1M/s400/steam%2Bfoil.jpg" /></a></div><br />I did not intend for this to be a "which pan works better for this recipe" experiement, but that's what it turned into.<br /><br />I had only intended on using the pans with lids, but out of desperation also used a pan with foil. It turned out the pan with foil worked <i><b>much</b></i> better than the other 2. In fact, one of my lidded pans was so bad (burning the potstickers and sticking so much I couldn't get them out of the pan), I stopped using it completely.<br /><br />So, if you do not have a pan with a lid (or maybe even if you do), you may want to just use foil over a saute pan instead. <br /><br />One last thing about the pan, none of the pans I used were nonstick. I just don't own any nonstick pans (I know that's kind of crazy). I got rid of all of them many years ago with all the teflon issues about that stuff scraping off into your food. I think that is not as much of an issue anymore, but I have just never gone back to using them.<br /><br />Anyway.....<br /><br />If you used a nonstick pan, I'm sure the results would be way different. You just have to do a batch and adjust from there (more oil if sticking too much, move the potstickers around to prevent them from getting stuck, pan covered in foil needs more liquid added part way through since there is more evaporation etc.) After your first batch, cut into one and make sure the cooking time you are using is cooking the pork all the way (we don't want any undercooked pork here).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB0uXwnJjc0/UINGe1_CeKI/AAAAAAAABh8/P5RmElLT9wA/s1600/plate%2Bo%2Bpotstickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB0uXwnJjc0/UINGe1_CeKI/AAAAAAAABh8/P5RmElLT9wA/s400/plate%2Bo%2Bpotstickers.jpg" /></a></div><br />Serve with the dipping sauce. <br />To make: simply put all ingredients in a bowl<br /><br />These are so dang good. I like them better than some restaurant ones I've had. They have a distinct ginger flavor, which I love, but I suppose if you hate the taste of ginger, you will not like these (and to that I say "poo on you"). <br /><br />Anytime I've taken these to a party, they are a big hit. They're even good cold. One thing I have noticed is that every time I have taken these for a crowd, there is always at least one person that does not eat pork. I've thought about making them with ground chicken sometime, since it pains me to see people pass up on them b/c they contain pork. But I just love them too much to change it up :)<br /><br />Hope you love them too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" title="I Heart Nap Time" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" alt="I Heart Nap Time" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://niftythriftythings.com" target="_blank"><img width="130" border="0px" src="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunday_button.png"/></a><br /><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/10/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-15000-in-giveaways-including-two-silhouettes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: blogspot/OivM (Tatertots and Jello)">Tater Tots and Jello</a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/?s=get+schooled+saturday" title="Too Much Time On My Hands" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m566/kimtoomuchtime/gss150button.png" alt="Too Much Time On My Hands" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButtonUPDATEcopy.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517 /CamilleBeckstrand/button3copy.jpg" alt="SixSistersStuff.com" width="150" height="150" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do Party" /></a><br /><br /></center><a href="http://www.delightfullydowling.com/">Delightfully Dowling</a><br /><a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2012/10/one-project-at-a-time.html">Bowl Full of Lemons</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-73066752638525066422012-10-09T17:13:00.001-07:002012-10-11T10:48:22.860-07:00Organizing Inspiration and a Sale!<br />I'm always trying to get organized. <b><i>Always</i></b><br /><br />Usually, fairly unsuccessfully. <br /><br />However, since starting this blog, I have had a few successful organizing projects like the <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/01/kitchen-pantry-reveal.html">kitchen pantry</a> (that was a big job) and my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2011/02/school-lunch-station.html">school lunch station</a> (a simple project, but still in use today).<br /><br />Since this is always one of my New Year's resolutions, I decided to get a jump start and get some organizing projects done <i><b>before</b></i> then end of 2012.<br /><br />My <strike>Wish List</strike> To Do List:<br /><br /><b>1. Entry Closet</b> (currently used to house all of our board games and a bunch of other <strike>really important stuff</strike> junk), since we really don't need a coat closet here in AZ, I will continue to keep our games in there, but also want to use it to hold the vaccum, brooms, steam mop which are all currently taking up space in the pantry.<br /><br /><b>2. Hall Closet</b> (I guess this is kind of like an entry closet too, since you see it upon entering the front door and our entry closet is more like a coat closet). This is a <i><b>big</b></i> project, but I plan to make this into one of those closet turned mud rooms I see all over pinterest.<br /><br />Like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2X3meLrCYA/UHSpxeLckZI/AAAAAAAABaQ/fDET1-cSJXE/s1600/closet%2Bmudroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2X3meLrCYA/UHSpxeLckZI/AAAAAAAABaQ/fDET1-cSJXE/s400/closet%2Bmudroom.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>3. Linen closet</b> (currently a heaping pile of blankets, towels, sheets - a total mess). We took the doors off this closet a while ago b/c they are those awful accordian doors (like the ones on my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/01/kitchen-pantry-reveal.html">pantry</a> - yes, replacing those is <i><b>still</b></i> on my list. So, now our unorganized linen closet is open for all to see. It's lovely.<br /><br />Since I have recently become a Thirty-One Consultant (check my side bar to check out my website and facebook page), I am so excited to see all the organizing ideas people come up with for Thirty-One products!<br /><br />For all of you scrapbookers and other crafters, this Large Utility Tote is perfect for holding your Cricut or Silhouette machines:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yo7FfX5peC0/UHSrpCWkwmI/AAAAAAAABac/fGYqH9l6rOU/s1600/31%2Bscrapbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="248" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yo7FfX5peC0/UHSrpCWkwmI/AAAAAAAABac/fGYqH9l6rOU/s400/31%2Bscrapbook.jpg" /></a></div><br />I do not have one of these machines, but I do have a ton of cake decorating supplies that this bag would be perfect for. People also use this bag in their trunk to hold groceries, making the trip into the house much easier after shopping. These Large Utility Totes were also being carried around on HGTV's Dina's Party:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MJynjwbs2w/UHSsdGwulcI/AAAAAAAABao/Iqmf1w044lA/s1600/31%2Bhgtv%2Bdinas%2Bparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MJynjwbs2w/UHSsdGwulcI/AAAAAAAABao/Iqmf1w044lA/s400/31%2Bhgtv%2Bdinas%2Bparty.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cool!<br /><br />I used my Large Utility Tote all summer as our pool bag. I kept our beach towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys etc. all ready to carry to the pool.<br /><br />For my linen closet, I plan to use these Large Utility Totes to store extra blankets and pillows that I currently keep up high in the closet, but always seem to get unfolded or become unruly looking.<br /><br />Something like this, but only on the top shelf:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9TNAgM-RjA/UHSxpx9KBjI/AAAAAAAABbI/rPf6Vvz9OaY/s1600/31%2Bcloset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9TNAgM-RjA/UHSxpx9KBjI/AAAAAAAABbI/rPf6Vvz9OaY/s400/31%2Bcloset.jpg" /></a></div><br />Check out this pantry:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_VxKuOu-zA/UHSy9F_INMI/AAAAAAAABbU/g1uSO5WBx40/s1600/31%2Bpantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="189" width="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_VxKuOu-zA/UHSy9F_INMI/AAAAAAAABbU/g1uSO5WBx40/s400/31%2Bpantry.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here are some super cute ideas for the bathroom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCUdg9d915k/UHSzLkK4k6I/AAAAAAAABbg/tOFMsQ7ww58/s1600/31%2Bbathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCUdg9d915k/UHSzLkK4k6I/AAAAAAAABbg/tOFMsQ7ww58/s400/31%2Bbathroom.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuNNp7XoIJk/UHSzmt-YJ6I/AAAAAAAABbs/uOH2rHNid7I/s1600/31%2Bbathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuNNp7XoIJk/UHSzmt-YJ6I/AAAAAAAABbs/uOH2rHNid7I/s400/31%2Bbathroom2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg7Tu9UZ5ic/UHS3-qEVfsI/AAAAAAAABdA/H_sarqlBjP4/s1600/31%2Bbathroom%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="146" width="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg7Tu9UZ5ic/UHS3-qEVfsI/AAAAAAAABdA/H_sarqlBjP4/s400/31%2Bbathroom%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Love the tissue holder! Those would be great teacher gifts too since they are always asking for tissues for their classroom. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ihGkCVpOd4/UHS33mUi8_I/AAAAAAAABc0/RT7PHScDVo0/s1600/tissue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="321" width="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ihGkCVpOd4/UHS33mUi8_I/AAAAAAAABc0/RT7PHScDVo0/s400/tissue.jpg" /></a></div><br />Speaking of great teacher gifts:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BS-ZYz4agY/UHSz2wkNH7I/AAAAAAAABb4/6RkTuHnWiNo/s1600/31%2Bteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BS-ZYz4agY/UHSz2wkNH7I/AAAAAAAABb4/6RkTuHnWiNo/s400/31%2Bteacher.jpg" /></a></div><br />This bag would also make a nice diaper bag or baby shower gift:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJncxIFsOEU/UHS1bF2ePII/AAAAAAAABcE/mKAcOJioK48/s1600/diaper-bag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJncxIFsOEU/UHS1bF2ePII/AAAAAAAABcE/mKAcOJioK48/s400/diaper-bag.png" /></a></div><br />I am totally using this bag for my cleaning supplies. I currently have a plastic tote made for holding cleaning supplies, but it is not tall enough, so some of the bottles seem to want to tip out of the bucket, it also does not hold everything the way this bag does:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xGx4eXrYac/UHS2-i7r-NI/AAAAAAAABcQ/CgsYpoGDREQ/s1600/31%2Bcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xGx4eXrYac/UHS2-i7r-NI/AAAAAAAABcQ/CgsYpoGDREQ/s400/31%2Bcleaner.jpg" /></a></div><br />Go check out <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/search/label/totes">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a> blog, she did a whole post on how she uses these totes.<br /><br />And if I ever have a home office....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_PBNHFP15A/UHS3N0qfZ7I/AAAAAAAABcc/l5j-Fs5BI3U/s1600/31%2Boffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_PBNHFP15A/UHS3N0qfZ7I/AAAAAAAABcc/l5j-Fs5BI3U/s400/31%2Boffice.jpg" /></a></div><br />Right now, a mobile office is more my speed:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7pY5pn3gho/UHS3WNhFt6I/AAAAAAAABco/Zwm8Gb6cPks/s1600/31%2Bmobile%2Boffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7pY5pn3gho/UHS3WNhFt6I/AAAAAAAABco/Zwm8Gb6cPks/s400/31%2Bmobile%2Boffice.jpg" /></a></div><br />If I had stairs, I love this idea:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WpC5Jtnsqc/UHS4N8gJp_I/AAAAAAAABdM/EdFQUPf82ns/s1600/31%2Bstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="321" width="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--WpC5Jtnsqc/UHS4N8gJp_I/AAAAAAAABdM/EdFQUPf82ns/s400/31%2Bstairs.jpg" /></a></div><br />So here is where the sale comes in. Yes, I did mention <i><b>SALE</b></i> at the beginning of this post.<br /><br />In the month of October, for every $31 you spend, you can get one of 5 different bags for 50% off including the Organizing Utility Tote from this post (as well as the Super Organizing Tote and the Retro Metro Bag and Totes):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R050C6vQ7Lk/UHS492H_w5I/AAAAAAAABdY/F8NY_FCPQ0k/s1600/oct%2Bspecial%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R050C6vQ7Lk/UHS492H_w5I/AAAAAAAABdY/F8NY_FCPQ0k/s400/oct%2Bspecial%2B2.png" /></a></div><br />Go to my <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/jessicamccowanmartin/">Thirty-One website </a>to shop through October to get this special. Also, I am having a Mystery Hostess Online Party starting today through Fri. Oct. 26th. Anyone who orders from my <a href="http://www.mythirtyone.com/jessicamccowanmartin/">website</a> under the "Mystery Hostess Party" event will automatically be entered in a drawing to win all of the hostess rewards from that party. You'll get all the rewards of hosting a party, without actually hosting a party! Pretty awesome, right?!<br /><br />There will also be some really great bloggers hosting a giveaway of Thirty-One products for me in the near future, so stay tuned.<br /><br />And you can stay up to date on all of my sales, giveaways and other special offers by joining my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/283793281732082/">Thirty One Facebook group</a>.<br /><br /><b>Happy Shopping!</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><center><a href=" http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/” target="_blank"><img alt="homework" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkYF2eUAva8/T701ushBubI/AAAAAAAAIIc/wrPycZLMnnE/s1600/Giveaway+Link+Party+Button.jpg"/></a></center><a href="http://www.measuringflower.com/category/linkies/happy-winsday/" _cke_saved_href="http://www.measuringflower.com/category/linkies/happy-winsday/" target="_blank"><img border="0" width="125" height="125" alt="Happy WINSday Giveaway Linky" src="http://www.measuringflower.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HappyWINSdayButton.png" _cke_saved_src="http://www.measuringflower.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/HappyWINSdayButton.png"></a><br /><a border="0" href="http://www.tightwadinutah.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fISBzGH2r44/S9jpwTdMU7I/AAAAAAAAAfg/S_P78cgwPZs/s320/button02.jpg" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/homemakeronadime/MYBG1-3-2-1.jpg" /></a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><div align="center"><a href=" http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/" title="October Overhauling" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcnb0HHacaU/UFsyoB6GqAI/AAAAAAAAIuk/9IGZwBsqxIY/s400/craft%2Bmess%2BCollage-150.jpg" alt="October Overhauling" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/polkadotbutton.png"/></a><br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkbXw8_TmdQ/TqcQosc7NeI/AAAAAAAADnw/9chifi98-eo/s1600/Giveaway_Directory-1.png"/></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-88831719365204458732012-10-08T15:13:00.000-07:002012-10-10T16:35:33.715-07:00Cookies and Cream Poke Cake<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dtfW_KRCc/UHNKAIKrPqI/AAAAAAAABY0/ojJEBW9oRcI/s1600/cookies%2Band%2Bcream%2Bpoke%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3dtfW_KRCc/UHNKAIKrPqI/AAAAAAAABY0/ojJEBW9oRcI/s400/cookies%2Band%2Bcream%2Bpoke%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div><br />My husband loves Poke Cakes, or as he grew up calling them "pudding cakes and jello cakes". <br /><br />I, on the other hand, have always had a late 70's (early 80's) mom cooking association with them. What in the world is 70's mom cooking? Well, for me, it conjures up images of mashed potatoes from a box, canned veggies and t.v. dinners. I put poke cakes right up there in that same category.<br /><br />My husband recently said something like "You know what would be good? If you made a pudding cake". To which I probably rolled my eyes or turned up my nose or something like that. For someone who loves to make cake, a very specific kind of decorative cake, this request was offensive. My cakes take me all day to make and are my own little piece of artwork. You want me to make a box cake, poke holes in it and pour pudding all over it? Why, I <i>never</i>! This is like taking your date to McDonald's for dinner.<br /><br />Then I came across a whole slew of poke cake recipes over at <a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net/2011/07/puddin-poke-cake.html">The Country Cook</a> and given my husband's love of all things cookies and cream in combination with his love of pudding cakes, I had to try it. I was not even aware jello made a cookies and cream pudding until I saw this recipe.<br /><br />So, I gave it a try. And, well, I have to eat a big piece of <strike>humble pie</strike> humble poke cake, because it was delicious! And super easy. It would be a great recipe to make with the kids.<br /><br />Watch out people, there may be a sudden barrage of poke cake recipes coming your way.<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><br />1 box chocolate cake mix (plus whatever is needed for the mix - eggs, oil, water)<br />2 boxes cookies and cream instant pudding<br />4 cups milk<br />1 container cool whip<br />Approx. 10 crushed oreos<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7C5c12F8q4/UHNMX9oMCRI/AAAAAAAABZA/1w8KAQBCKhg/s1600/poke%2Bcake%2Bingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7C5c12F8q4/UHNMX9oMCRI/AAAAAAAABZA/1w8KAQBCKhg/s400/poke%2Bcake%2Bingredients.jpg" /></a></div><br />Bake the cake as directed on the box. While the cake is cooling, mix 2 packets pudding mix with 4 cups cold milk, stir and let sit in fridge until it begins to thicken. You don't want it to be completely set, you want it easily pourable.<br /><br />While cake is still warm, poke holes all over with the back of a spoon or spatula.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPUeTw8MngE/UHNM5tUqGbI/AAAAAAAABZM/A2U2Y4Beb5g/s1600/poke%2Bholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPUeTw8MngE/UHNM5tUqGbI/AAAAAAAABZM/A2U2Y4Beb5g/s400/poke%2Bholes.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pour the pudding all over, then spread with a spatula, applying light pressure to get the pudding down in the holes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJwkP62cwg8/UHNNKXgLksI/AAAAAAAABZY/Z7iuCXZY1es/s1600/pour%2Bpudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJwkP62cwg8/UHNNKXgLksI/AAAAAAAABZY/Z7iuCXZY1es/s400/pour%2Bpudding.jpg" /></a></div><br />You can see in my picture, I let the pudding fully set. It came out fine though, so no worries if you do that.<br /><br />Cool in the refridgerator for at least one hour (several hours or overnight would be fne too).<br /><br />Spread with cool whip and top with crushed cookies. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eA-ppG26MDA/UHNNsN4VkrI/AAAAAAAABZk/W9pg0AqpnlM/s1600/whip%2Bcream%2Band%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eA-ppG26MDA/UHNNsN4VkrI/AAAAAAAABZk/W9pg0AqpnlM/s400/whip%2Bcream%2Band%2Bcookies.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cut yourself a big 'ol piece and stuff it in your face!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnjIosfqNiI/UHNN2plui8I/AAAAAAAABZw/S02yTmLgyvE/s1600/cookies%2Band%2Bcream%2Bpoke%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnjIosfqNiI/UHNN2plui8I/AAAAAAAABZw/S02yTmLgyvE/s400/cookies%2Band%2Bcream%2Bpoke%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><b>YUM!</b></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/2012/10/crazy-sweet-tuesday-6/">Crazy Sweet Tuesday</a><br /><a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2012/10/welcome-to-mangia-mondays-blog-hop-that.html">Shine Your Light</a><br /><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a> <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" title="I Heart Nap Time" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" alt="I Heart Nap Time" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://niftythriftythings.com" target="_blank"><img width="130" border="0px" src="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunday_button.png"/></a><br /><a href="http://lilluna.com" title="Lil\'Luna"><img src="http://lilluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lilluna_linking_up.jpg" alt="Lil\'Luna" title="Lil\'Luna" style="border:none;" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://intheoldroad.blogspot.com" title="In The Old Road" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb466/intheoldroad/allstarfinal150.jpg" alt="In The Old Road" style="border:none;" /></a></div><center><a href="http://notjustahousewife.net" target="blank"><img border="0" src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg"/></a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/polkadotbutton.png"/></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-14851741704212731502012-10-05T17:00:00.001-07:002013-01-21T15:19:33.865-08:00Pinterest Shower Cleaner<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3vVEvWZWbk/UG9AobxyrfI/AAAAAAAABXE/gQaLfR9LDi4/s1600/shower%2Bcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3vVEvWZWbk/UG9AobxyrfI/AAAAAAAABXE/gQaLfR9LDi4/s400/shower%2Bcleaner.jpg" /></a></div><br />I've seen several pins on this <i>amazing</i> shower cleaner. All the posts on it are the same, but this one from <a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2012/03/tub-shower-cleaner-picture-tutorial.html">Fabulously Frugal</a> has a good explanation on how to make it. <br /><br />My friend at <a href="http://ourcarlsonlife.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-thursday.html">One and One Eighth Danish</a> also posted about how this cleaner makes an unpleasant chore (scrubbing the shower) a little <i>less</i> unpleasant.<br /><br />Now, I live in an older house. And as is sometimes the case in older homes, I have "old shower/tub syndrome". Ok I just made that up as I was typing. But, you know, old showers that just look dingy? No matter how much I scrub, our painfully tiny (that's a separate issue) shower never looks clean. The grout is dirty, there are stains, rust, who knows, stuff that just never comes off no matter what cleaner I use.<br /><br />So, when I saw all these amazing reviews of this magical stuff, I had to give it a try. <br /><br />Something I also noticed is that of all the people raving about this cleaner, no one posts before and after pics. Now, Fabulously Frugal <i>did</i> post a before and after. However, her before looked like something a washcloth and some water could've easily cleaned. So, it's well, not that impressive.<br /><br />I know, it's not everyone's fault that they don't have "old shower syndrome".<br /><br />So, here I go showing you my nasty old shower. I have no shame.<br /><br />Here is the before of a corner of our shower where this black - I don't know what it is - stuff has always been. I've tried bleach, baking soda and vinegar, various types of all purpose cleaner, this really expensive "miracle" cleaner I bought from a door-to-door salesman (yes, I <i>did</i> fall for the sales pitch) and anything else I thought might remove this black stuff. None of it worked.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prKSPlyl_BQ/UG9vajiVE-I/AAAAAAAABXk/GFc2SrY3sg4/s1600/corner%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prKSPlyl_BQ/UG9vajiVE-I/AAAAAAAABXk/GFc2SrY3sg4/s400/corner%2Bbefore.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's sort of just become another part of the awesome 80's tile pattern that our shower is clearly rockin'.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0kJo7Aii0g/UG9vz4J1dAI/AAAAAAAABXw/RNx2HX2lZEs/s1600/cleaner%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0kJo7Aii0g/UG9vz4J1dAI/AAAAAAAABXw/RNx2HX2lZEs/s400/cleaner%2Bafter.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here it is after. I did not intentionally take the "after" picture further away :) It is not completely gone, <i><b>but</b></i> it is much better than any of the aforementioned cleaners.<br /><br />Here is another wall:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkSmxiW5uLA/UG9wZdKVnhI/AAAAAAAABX8/4agBIjSYGhg/s1600/wall1%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OkSmxiW5uLA/UG9wZdKVnhI/AAAAAAAABX8/4agBIjSYGhg/s400/wall1%2Bbefore.jpg" /></a></div><br />I know what you're thinking. "I can't believe she is showing us all her dirty shower" and "these pictures are terrible" and "that tile is truly an amazing work of art, like straight out of a time capsule". <br /><br />It's true. I am slightly mortified at sharing how gross my shower looks, but it's for the greater good, people. How else would you know exactly how well (or not so well) this cleaner works? The pictures are bad because, like I said before, my shower is teeny, tiny. Like, I can barely stand in it and turn around, tiny. There is no natural light in our bathroom and I was using my phone camera. This is not a photography blog, people. And, lastly, don't go thinking about getting some tile put in to replicate this masterpiece. It's an original. Let's keep it that way.<br /><br />Here is the same wall all covered in the cleaner:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yNtKeu-R4Q/UG9yC3XrNoI/AAAAAAAABYI/q2Xq4Z6Me3o/s1600/wall%2B1%2Bcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yNtKeu-R4Q/UG9yC3XrNoI/AAAAAAAABYI/q2Xq4Z6Me3o/s400/wall%2B1%2Bcleaner.jpg" /></a></div><br />I let the cleaner sit while I cleaned other areas of the bathroom. Some have said they let it sit overnight, others say they wipe it off right away. Now, let me just say that I did not merely <i>wipe</i> this stuff off. It was full on scrubbing. Lots and lots of scrubbing. I even had a small knuckle injury that I contemplated taking a picture of to show how much I really did scrub (even some of the skin off my knuckle), but decided that was kind of weak. And, well, I'm no weenie. But, just know, this was <b><i>hard</i></b> work.<br /><br />Here it is after:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI9K3Ga0mA4/UG9y_-OgCMI/AAAAAAAABYU/y9smX0NMjTo/s1600/wall1%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI9K3Ga0mA4/UG9y_-OgCMI/AAAAAAAABYU/y9smX0NMjTo/s400/wall1%2Bafter.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>My review of this cleaner:</b><br /><br />1. I had way too high of expectations for it (i.e. it won't give me new tile and new grout and it won't prevent me from having to scrub)<br /><br />2. It worked better than all of the other cleaners I have tried over the 8+ yrs we've lived in this house.<br /><br />3. While, it didn't get the grout as clean as I would've liked, there was some nice sparkle to those tiles (not sure if you can tell in the pic) and that required very little scrubbing.<br /><br />4. I also used it on the sinks and counters and other areas and liked the results.<br /><br />5. I hear it works on shower doors (we have a curtain, not a door) really well, getting off the build up that seems so hard to get rid of.<br /><br />So.....<br /><br />I like it. <br /><br />It's good.<br /><br />I'll keep using it.<br /><br />If you don't have "old shower syndrome", you may love it a whole lot more than me :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/">Tater Tots and Jello</a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/" title="Too Much Time On My Hands" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m566/kimtoomuchtime/buttonchevrontmt.png" alt="Too Much Time On My Hands" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-624789171580610992012-10-03T22:29:00.001-07:002012-10-05T20:26:06.184-07:00Western Themed Wedding Cupcakes<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7mxH0iFxDE/UG0c1bu7eKI/AAAAAAAABU8/PCTPdFn1Na8/s1600/cupcake%2Btower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7mxH0iFxDE/UG0c1bu7eKI/AAAAAAAABU8/PCTPdFn1Na8/s400/cupcake%2Btower.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Bride's father made this awesome cupcake tower. It can be assembled and taken apart very quickly, stores easily, is very sturdy and holds about 100 cupcakes plus the 6" top cake. I think he should sell these things!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1Lw323dZvs/UG0dUs08LSI/AAAAAAAABVI/xoo-9zqkCO0/s1600/topper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1Lw323dZvs/UG0dUs08LSI/AAAAAAAABVI/xoo-9zqkCO0/s400/topper.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Bride wanted a very simple design with a rope border. I opted for a simple monogram and some flowers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csypht-SfDA/UG0dhjeZBnI/AAAAAAAABVU/VaI-gL1WOgA/s1600/cupcake%2Btower%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csypht-SfDA/UG0dhjeZBnI/AAAAAAAABVU/VaI-gL1WOgA/s400/cupcake%2Btower%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><br />It was very hot (Phoenix wedding outside in Sept. in the middle of the day = H**L!), but the cake held up fantastically. Several people asked why the cupcakes weren't "melting". And, <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/09/experimenting-with-new-frosting.html">here</a> is why, great frosting <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/09/experimenting-with-new-frosting.html">recipe</a> for heat :)<br /><br />I used IndyDeby's buttercream for all 3 types of cupcakes with some additions. <br /><br />Spice cupcakes: added cream cheese and some ground ginger<br />Chocolate cupcakes: added melted semi sweet chips and some almond extract<br />strawberry cupcakes: added strawberry extract (clear since we did not want pink frosting)<br /><br /><b>ENJOY!</b><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><br /><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/">Tater Tots and Jello</a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/" title="Too Much Time On My Hands" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m566/kimtoomuchtime/buttonchevrontmt.png" alt="Too Much Time On My Hands" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Jessnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-43659289965132406262012-09-21T12:39:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:39:02.883-07:00Creamy Chicken Taquitos<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPGHsWx0ELo/UFy1lX2gdLI/AAAAAAAABSI/H6DaPNr6J4o/s1600/taquito%2Band%2Bdip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPGHsWx0ELo/UFy1lX2gdLI/AAAAAAAABSI/H6DaPNr6J4o/s400/taquito%2Band%2Bdip.jpg" /></a></div><br />This recipe comes from <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/09/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos.html">Six Sister's Stuff</a><br /><br />This is one of many of their recipes I plan on <strike>stealing</strike> trying.<br /><br />The main difference with the way I made my taquitos was I used my <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/05/crock-pot-chicken-revisited.html">crock pot chicken</a> which is already well seasoned, so I didn't add all of the seasonings from their recipe. <br /><br />If you were going to use cooked, shredded chicken, you'd definitely want to add some salt, pepper, garlic powder, some onion powder, cumin etc. Whatever you choose, but definitely season it if you are not using this crock pot chicken. <br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese<br />3/4 - 1lb <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/05/crock-pot-chicken-revisited.html">crock pot chicken</a><br />2 limes<br />1/2 cup cilantro<br />1 jalapeno, seeded, veins removed, chopped finely<br />1/2 cup green onion, chopped<br />1/2 can (15oz) whole black beans, rinsed<br />20 soft taco size flour tortillas<br />cooking spray<br />salt<br /><br />So, my recipe incudes cilantro and jalapeno which are not in the original, and leaves out the pepper jack cheese from the original recipe. I also added black beans which were not in Six Sister's Stuff recipe, but they sounded good to me :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfHCkL0tMkY/UFy63vTHaeI/AAAAAAAABSk/zVwQ7x5pFLc/s1600/taquitos%2Bingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfHCkL0tMkY/UFy63vTHaeI/AAAAAAAABSk/zVwQ7x5pFLc/s400/taquitos%2Bingredients.jpg" /></a></div><br />You'll notice there are no green onions. That's because I forgot them. But I had every intention of putting them in and think it would have been a nice addition, so I'm leaving them in the ingredients list.<br /><br />Mix the cream cheese, lime juice (I used 2 limes, they were kinda big and pretty juicy), cilantro, and green onions. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8cSIe-u17I/UFy9vLyKdNI/AAAAAAAABTA/nR7M9kB4pzY/s1600/mix%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8cSIe-u17I/UFy9vLyKdNI/AAAAAAAABTA/nR7M9kB4pzY/s400/mix%2B1.jpg" /></a></div><br />At this point, I split the mix into 3 bowls, to two bowls I added jalapenos (the one bowl without was the kids bowl), then added black beans to 2 of the bowls (the one without is for my husband who doesn't eat beans. Weird. I know.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBVG7rzdxEY/UFy-Qiwsa-I/AAAAAAAABTM/utdGtQ1LnI4/s1600/mix%2B3%2Bkinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBVG7rzdxEY/UFy-Qiwsa-I/AAAAAAAABTM/utdGtQ1LnI4/s400/mix%2B3%2Bkinds.jpg" /></a></div><br />Obviously, this is an extra, unnecessary step, but if you have people that won't eat certain things, it is an option :)<br /><br />Put a scoop of the mixture at the edge of the tortilla and roll it up (don't let the mix stick out of the ends of the tortilla).<br /><br />Line a baking sheet with foil, spray the foil with cooking spray.<br /><br />Place the taquitos rolled side down onto the foil. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray, sprinkle with a little salt, bake on 425 for 15-20 min. until the tortillas start to crisp up and the edges start to brown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZibRVdGUn9M/UFy_NYCCHJI/AAAAAAAABTc/J0HrMKu_gkY/s1600/baking%2Bsheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZibRVdGUn9M/UFy_NYCCHJI/AAAAAAAABTc/J0HrMKu_gkY/s400/baking%2Bsheet.jpg" /></a></div><br />Place the taquitos with a small space between each one (not like I did in the picture above). The places where the taquitos are touching will not crisp up as well. They were still super tasty and plenty crispy, there were just small spots that were not totally crispy. So, next time, I'll spread them out some more.<br /><br />And here they are all crispy and done:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGPxZbf7g78/UFy_ui55SPI/AAAAAAAABTk/y43JEVoErPE/s1600/crispy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGPxZbf7g78/UFy_ui55SPI/AAAAAAAABTk/y43JEVoErPE/s400/crispy.jpg" /></a></div><br />I served these with creamy avocado and tomatillo dip, which is simply one avocado, mashed, mixed with 1 cup sour cream and about 3 Tbsp tomatillo salsa. The dip was really delicious. I'm thinking of all the other uses I can come up with for it :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2LexHQsVdM/UFzAOQ8meAI/AAAAAAAABTw/Fp0IVfnVMkM/s1600/taquito%2Band%2Bdip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2LexHQsVdM/UFzAOQ8meAI/AAAAAAAABTw/Fp0IVfnVMkM/s400/taquito%2Band%2Bdip.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Enjoy!</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-25786799233052347412012-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:002012-09-16T23:23:40.412-07:00I cut my own hair!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iav-XjbYJ10/UFaZFw3h1PI/AAAAAAAABPE/-cIINjeqKdI/s1600/crazy%2Blady%2Bscissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="198" width="254" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iav-XjbYJ10/UFaZFw3h1PI/AAAAAAAABPE/-cIINjeqKdI/s400/crazy%2Blady%2Bscissors.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you are a hair dresser or a professional in this area, just stop reading now.<br /><br />Seriously. <br /><br />Stop. <br /><br />You will be horrified with what I decided to do on a whim. <br /><br /><b><i>Horrified</b></i>.<br /><br />And really, anyone who cares about their hair, spends good $ on hair cuts and color and takes more than say, 5min. each day to do their hair, you may want to stop reading too. Ok, so that pretty much eliminates everyone.<br /><br />I'm not really sure <b><i>why</i></b> I decided to do this. It wasn't to save money, although the $100+ I did save by doing this is kinda cool. I don't know why. I'm just kinda crazy like that.<br /><br />I started looking at YouTube videos for hair style ideas for my daughter. And, I came across several videos on cutting your own hair. I have been doing bang trims for the little girls for a while now, and I cut my son's hair for back to school (that's a brave 7th grader!), and, well, the natural next step is for me to cut 3+ inches off my own hair, add bangs, layers and color it. Myself. <br /><br />Naturally.<br /><br />Here is the before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ll3c5rqINLw/UFabN4iENqI/AAAAAAAABPQ/tGxst2Soa3w/s1600/hair%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ll3c5rqINLw/UFabN4iENqI/AAAAAAAABPQ/tGxst2Soa3w/s400/hair%2Bbefore.jpg" /></a></div><br />I don't have a <b><i>real</b></i> before pic because I always wear my hair pulled back into some sort of bun. This is because I hate wearing my hair down (especially in summer, but really all the time) and because my hair had grown so ridiculously long, I couldn't do anything else with it. On a good year, I get my hair cut and colored twice. Often, I go once a year. Clearly, my hair is <b><i>not</i></b> a priority. I am not sure this time around how long it has been since I got my hair cut. More than a year.<br /><br />So, this before shows how long my hair had gotten and you can also see the ends are dry. It's basically all one length (there were layers at one time, but they are all grown out). It had some highlights as well (which were all grown out and faded at this point).<br /><br />The first thing I did was cut off 3 inches. I was unable to find the YouTube video that showed this method, but basically, you start with a ponytail, then measure from the bottom up as much as you want to cut, tie a hair tie at that length. Then slide your first hair tie down just above the second one. Cut off just above the bottome hair tie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJLQ4LZhlik/UFafDocblwI/AAAAAAAABPs/MftqY0Jp36c/s1600/cut%2Boff%2B3%2Bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJLQ4LZhlik/UFafDocblwI/AAAAAAAABPs/MftqY0Jp36c/s400/cut%2Boff%2B3%2Bin.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I used this method to give it a little less of a blunt cut across the back:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7Is1vdkO0O4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zev72iTT3jk/UFalr2AjPMI/AAAAAAAABQI/xpHCj8D4zA4/s1600/round%2Bedges%2Bmethod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zev72iTT3jk/UFalr2AjPMI/AAAAAAAABQI/xpHCj8D4zA4/s400/round%2Bedges%2Bmethod.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I used this method to add some layers:<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hK1BcftdyaY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byDHbv-g7pU/UFamIbGFA7I/AAAAAAAABQU/9ZTTQo2MbLw/s1600/razor%2Blayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byDHbv-g7pU/UFamIbGFA7I/AAAAAAAABQU/9ZTTQo2MbLw/s400/razor%2Blayers.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I cut some bangs. I can't find the video I used for this either, but there are tons of fringe/bang YouTube videos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RveCLHy1PkI/UFamsj0aOFI/AAAAAAAABQg/32ScWXdNqPk/s1600/bangs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RveCLHy1PkI/UFamsj0aOFI/AAAAAAAABQg/32ScWXdNqPk/s400/bangs.jpg" /></a></div><br />These are the bangs after I colored it. I didn't take any pictures of this process, it's your basic "Nice 'n Easy" home hair color kit. In dark brown, I think.<br /><br />Here's all the hair I cut off:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y11o2b14dA4/UFbB5ZEC4dI/AAAAAAAABRU/cL-J4dbEJmM/s1600/hair%2Bon%2Bfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y11o2b14dA4/UFbB5ZEC4dI/AAAAAAAABRU/cL-J4dbEJmM/s400/hair%2Bon%2Bfloor.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />After coloring while it was still damp, I put it up into 2 buns:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45oZ5Rfyurc/UFanE46RuQI/AAAAAAAABQs/qyj8p-YyCfw/s1600/buns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45oZ5Rfyurc/UFanE46RuQI/AAAAAAAABQs/qyj8p-YyCfw/s400/buns.jpg" /></a></div><br />I wore this all day and then it was wavy for going out at night.<br /><br />Here is the after:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq_mCxjqAUI/UFanRY_HEdI/AAAAAAAABQ4/63h9XWdYLrw/s1600/hair%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq_mCxjqAUI/UFanRY_HEdI/AAAAAAAABQ4/63h9XWdYLrw/s400/hair%2Bafter.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm happy with it (but I am obviously not picky about my hair :) I knew I had so much hair to work with that if I totally screwed it up, there would be enough left for a professional to fix it. But, thankfully, no disasters and I may stay on top of my hair better now that I can just do it myself.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-91437831567797462042012-09-11T15:22:00.001-07:002012-09-11T15:22:15.758-07:00Remembering...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrvUMIrYbOQ/UE-ufRLUoxI/AAAAAAAABMU/EBCRphi0ukE/s1600/memorial%2Bchild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrvUMIrYbOQ/UE-ufRLUoxI/AAAAAAAABMU/EBCRphi0ukE/s400/memorial%2Bchild.jpg" /></a></div><br />We all have our story of where we were when we heard the news of September 11th. Most can vividly recall the terrifying feelings of shock, fear, despair, disbelief. And for those who lost loved ones on that day, the remembering means something different.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDKyDLmVrB0/UE-vT1yeWxI/AAAAAAAABMg/ZoI0O6K7wD4/s1600/memorial%2Bcrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDKyDLmVrB0/UE-vT1yeWxI/AAAAAAAABMg/ZoI0O6K7wD4/s400/memorial%2Bcrying.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was a relatively new mom at the time. I had just started a new job, had a baby boy just under 2 years old. I was asleep in bed with our little guy as he had woken me so very early that morning and I was able to convince him to lay down in my bed and let mommy rest. The phone rang and it was my husband calling from work. He worked overnights and had only been in the News business a very short time. He was watching it all unfold and needed to call us. I turned on the t.v. and sat and cried. I was stunned and motionless and alone.<br /><br />As the day went on, I called work. Do I work on a day like this? Would the state buildings I go to be open? I ultimately decided to cancel my appointments (which I later got in some big trouble for and have always wondered if that CPS Case Manger ever felt like a schmuck for coming down on me for cancelling work on 9/11).<br /><br />I have family in New York and my thoughts almost instantly went to them. Were they ok? Were their friends, co-workers, neighbors ok? My uncle, at one time, worked in one of the World Trade Center buildings. Was he there that day? Were his colleagues and friends? Eventually, all of those questions were answered. And my family was all ok. <br /><br />As the years have passed, I've thought about how fortunate I was to have an opportunity to see the WTC in person and to go to the observation deck and the pictures I will always have of that trip.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpnXhJx6tZs/UE-yPH-sarI/AAAAAAAABM8/lV5gM6FjPuA/s1600/NYSkylineiStock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpnXhJx6tZs/UE-yPH-sarI/AAAAAAAABM8/lV5gM6FjPuA/s400/NYSkylineiStock.jpg" /></a></div><br />In many ways, New York City has always held a special place for me. It's a city I have traveled to very few times in my life, but it's a city I feel connected to through family. My dad was born and raised there (moving to Phx as a teenager), my grandmother, several aunts, uncles, great-aunts, cousins all still live there and have lived there their whole lives. They are New Yorkers and I am always struck by how apparent that is each time I see them. And in the days, weeks, months after 9/11, I felt the sense that as a nation, we all felt like New Yorkers for a little bit.<br /><br />The feelings of unity, brotherhood and community were overwhelming. We, as a nation, were family.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky9S-07sm-A/UE-0BfDzO6I/AAAAAAAABNI/MnHgyJNadyo/s1600/911%2Bmemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="176" width="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky9S-07sm-A/UE-0BfDzO6I/AAAAAAAABNI/MnHgyJNadyo/s400/911%2Bmemorial.jpg" /></a></div><br />Some of our family members had been deeply wounded, searching for loved ones, hoping and praying for survival.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAkpeL_iuKo/UE-0eXO9h1I/AAAAAAAABNU/c7Oyir-F4eI/s1600/memorial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAkpeL_iuKo/UE-0eXO9h1I/AAAAAAAABNU/c7Oyir-F4eI/s400/memorial3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Many in our family had died, taken from us unfairly, too quickly and out of hatred.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTTVEPKOaC0/UE-0wz3LtaI/AAAAAAAABNg/MIBrEl8YKbo/s1600/memorial%2Bflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTTVEPKOaC0/UE-0wz3LtaI/AAAAAAAABNg/MIBrEl8YKbo/s400/memorial%2Bflags.jpg" /></a></div><br />Some in our family lay down their own lives for each other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vy0ZeVHXfD0/UE-1GgopKbI/AAAAAAAABNs/Q07qwoTCOFo/s1600/firefighters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="260" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vy0ZeVHXfD0/UE-1GgopKbI/AAAAAAAABNs/Q07qwoTCOFo/s400/firefighters.jpg" /></a></div><br />As a family, we mourned these losses together<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ_m7qjiiQQ/UE-1jBykZpI/AAAAAAAABN4/sDncHsQT8Ug/s1600/memorial%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="192" width="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ_m7qjiiQQ/UE-1jBykZpI/AAAAAAAABN4/sDncHsQT8Ug/s400/memorial%2Bflowers.jpg" /></a></div><br />Several years after 9/11, in 2008, I traveled to NYC. This was the first time I learned of the Little Chapel that Stood. St Paul's Chapel is right across the street from Ground Zero and as buildings around it were falling and debris was flying, the little chapel came away unscathed, not even a broken window.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csDmGSNDUYE/UE-2ITrmMuI/AAAAAAAABOE/oFJe8ZfbiWM/s1600/st%2Bpauls%2Bchurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csDmGSNDUYE/UE-2ITrmMuI/AAAAAAAABOE/oFJe8ZfbiWM/s400/st%2Bpauls%2Bchurch.jpg" /></a></div><br />And that chapel became the space where rescue workers came for a hot meal, to rest, to change their boots and to pray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-IAycThWw/UE-2ZgwK__I/AAAAAAAABOQ/_gp_Ce0l6uE/s1600/fdny%2Bchurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fN-IAycThWw/UE-2ZgwK__I/AAAAAAAABOQ/_gp_Ce0l6uE/s400/fdny%2Bchurch.jpg" /></a></div><br />People worked around the clock in an effort to rescue anyone they could. Members of the community brought meals, clean clothes, and a shoulder to cry on to support those rescue workers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5P9sLGLMOs/UE-3ABzO7qI/AAAAAAAABOc/kLXIKo64BFg/s1600/chapel%2Byard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5P9sLGLMOs/UE-3ABzO7qI/AAAAAAAABOc/kLXIKo64BFg/s400/chapel%2Byard.jpg" /></a></div><br />The fence around the yard of the church became a memorial.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6MP1zev4-U/UE-3WBcvjLI/AAAAAAAABOo/03rtGNTyOEM/s1600/church%2Bfence%2Bmemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6MP1zev4-U/UE-3WBcvjLI/AAAAAAAABOo/03rtGNTyOEM/s400/church%2Bfence%2Bmemorial.jpg" /></a></div><br />Today, as I am remembering 11 years ago, I am struck by how moved people were to give of themselves in so many ways, how we became family through tragedy, how we were able to put aside petty differences for the greater good. And while, 9/11 will always be marked by tragedy, death and sorrow, I am reminded that so it is, also marked by Family and Hope. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-11186345345450703122012-09-06T11:54:00.001-07:002012-09-07T23:20:57.276-07:00Experimenting with New Frosting<br /><br />I tried out 2 new frosting recipes recently, both very different from each other. I like to have some other options besides the standard butter and powdered sugar buttercream frosting that I typically use.<br /><br />In searching for a frosting that could hold up to being in the heat for a period of time (I have a late September outdoor wedding in AZ that I am making a cake for and need some frosting that wont slide off the cake in all that heat), I came across <a href="http://cakecentral.com/recipe/indydebis-crisco-based-buttercream-icing">IndyDebi's</a> buttercream recipe that got great reviews for holding up well in heat and humidity for long periods.<br /><br /><i><b>Indydebi’s Crisco-Based Buttercream Icing:</b><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />•1-1/3 cups Cricso<br />•1/3 to 1/2 cup milk, depending on consistency needed<br />•3 Tbsp powdered Dream Whip (*)<br />•2-3 Tbsp clear vanilla, depending on your personal taste<br />•2 lbs powdered sugar<br />•(*) A powdered whipped topping mix made by Kraft Foods, usually found in the cake/sugar aisle in the grocery.<br /><br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />There’s no wrong way to mix this. I usually mix all but the powdered sugar for a minute or two, then gradually add the sugar, but the only reason I did this was to avoid the “sugar-splash” factor. The longer the mixer runs, the smoother it gets. Sifting the powdered sugar before blending helps with smoothness but is not necessary.<br /></i><br /><br />In addition to the vanilla extract, I also added butter flavoring since this is made with Crisco instead of butter. I used 1/2 cup milk and it was still very, very thick making it a little difficult to spread. I think next time I will add a little more milk to thin it out a bit because it was a little hard to work with.<br /><br />Here is the cake I used this frosting on:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GCtljfKJVQ/UEjjNmDwqeI/AAAAAAAABLg/W3Goxeu0Sx0/s1600/cheer%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GCtljfKJVQ/UEjjNmDwqeI/AAAAAAAABLg/W3Goxeu0Sx0/s400/cheer%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>The Verdict:</b><br /><br />It did hold up really well, so it definitely will be the recipe I use for the upcoming wedding cake. It crusted nicely and made a good base to lay the fondant on. As for the taste, this is harder for me to assess. Although I love to make cakes, cake and frosting are not my favorite things to eat. I'm the person that scrapes all the frosting off to the side and just eats the cake. One downside to this recipe is that it has the "mouth feel" (is that a saying?) of shortening rather than butter. It tasted good, but it tasted like frosting, and well, I don't like frosting :) But, everyone that ate this cake said they liked it.<br /><br />The <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2010/03/a-tasty-recipe-thats-the-best-frosting-ive-ever-had/">next frosting</a> is like the exact opposite of the first one. It's more like a whip cream frosting, very light, very easy to spread and <i><b>not</b></i> the frosting you would want to use in heat and humidity. It uses a heated milk and flour mixture, which is kind of interesting. <br /><br /><i>Ingredients:<br /><br />5 Tablespoons Flour<br />1 cup Milk<br />1 teaspoon Vanilla<br />1 cup Butter<br />1 cup Granulated Sugar (not Powdered Sugar!)<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Bake your favorite chocolate cake and let it cool. <br /><br />In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick, thicker than cake mix, more like a brownie mix is. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (If I’m in a hurry, I place the saucepan over ice in the sink for about 10 minutes or so until the mixture cools.) It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step. Stir in vanilla. <br /><br />While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You don’t want any sugar graininess left. Then add the completely cooled milk/flour/vanilla mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, you haven’t beaten it enough! Beat it until it all combines and resembles whipped cream.<br /><br />Grab a spoon and taste this wonderful goodness. If there is any left after your taste test, spread it on a cooled chocolate cake. <br /><br />Cut yourself a piece and put it on a pretty plate. Grab a fork and prepare to experience the most divine pairing you can imagine. This frosting on chocolate cake is to die for. Sure, the recipe sounds strange — it has flour in it — but it’s sublime. Try it, you’ll see. You’ll love it so much you won’t go back. <br /></i><br /><br />Here is the cake I used this frosting on:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzwe-rPXatY/UEjvacjK2XI/AAAAAAAABL4/v3JVzsyCfek/s1600/castle%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzwe-rPXatY/UEjvacjK2XI/AAAAAAAABL4/v3JVzsyCfek/s400/castle%2Bcake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>The Verdict:</b><br /><br />I liked the really light consistency of this. It wasn't too sweet, which would be perfect on a really sweet cake. It had a good flavor and didn't have that heavy buttercream quality. It was super easy to spread, but definitely not the best frosting for decorating a large fondant covered cake, like the one I did. I think it would be a perfect cupcake frosting though. My daughter who likes the piece of cake that has the most frosting (and will even eat the frosting I scrape off), <i>loved</i> this frosting.<br /><br />There you go, 2 different frostings as an alternative to your everyday buttercream.<br /><br /><b>Enjoy :)</b><br /><br /><br />Linking up here: <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.allthingshomie.blogspot.com" title="All Things Homie"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XrF1I0I4zCY/UEd51mlY17I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qkxPM_VCbC8/s160/linkyparty2.jpg" alt="All Things Homie" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com" target="_blank"><img alt="KitchenFun" src="http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k612/jm1313/kitchen_funfriday.png"/></a><br /><center><a href="http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/j5z2f8.jpg" /></a></center><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com" title="Liz Marie Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/561339_814737968508_208706387_35562931_246451812_n5.jpg" alt="Liz Marie Blog" style="border:none;" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517 /CamilleBeckstrand/button3copy.jpg" alt="SixSistersStuff.com" width="150" height="150" /></a>Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-69243652799868741032012-08-26T19:17:00.001-07:002012-08-26T19:22:02.772-07:00Cheesy Chicken and Rice<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaRDjJTiCK0/UDrPesM3soI/AAAAAAAABKM/f3gu9WvyZBs/s1600/cheesy%2Bchicken%2Brice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaRDjJTiCK0/UDrPesM3soI/AAAAAAAABKM/f3gu9WvyZBs/s400/cheesy%2Bchicken%2Brice.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is another Pinterest recipe. You can find the original at <a href="http://www.southernplate.com/2010/09/slow-cooker-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-the-downside-of-being-a-swan-princess.html/comment-page-3#comment-761359">Southern Plate</a>.<br /><br />I thought it was a good start to a recipe, but it was a bit bland for me. The recipe says to place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot, top with one chopped onion, then spoon 1 can cream of chicken soup over the top. Cover and cook on low for 7-8hrs or high for 3-4hrs. Then add 1 can corn and 1 box yellow rice and 1 cup shredded cheese before serving.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL9J83wXIOY/UDrYo_lE0XI/AAAAAAAABLI/0_VzW6BmFhc/s1600/crock%2Bpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL9J83wXIOY/UDrYo_lE0XI/AAAAAAAABLI/0_VzW6BmFhc/s400/crock%2Bpot.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now, when I was assembling this, I did not like dumping these ingredients in with no seasoning. I just never cook like that. I season <i><b>everything</b></i>. But, I wanted to try it <i>as is</i> first.<br /><br />And the finished product was, well, bland. Also, I found the chicken to rice ratio to be a little heavy on the chicken. This could just be me, but I really liked the yellow rice (I had never tried it before) and wanted there to be more of it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qus_suk_LyM/UDrUh5g4upI/AAAAAAAABKk/NHV1kiRGnXk/s1600/yellow%2Brice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qus_suk_LyM/UDrUh5g4upI/AAAAAAAABKk/NHV1kiRGnXk/s400/yellow%2Brice.jpg" /></a></div><br />Lastly, I doubled the cheese (the original recipe calls for 1 cup, I put in 2 cups) and I still tasted NO cheese. Now, if you are going to call something "cheesy" in the recipe title, I need to actually taste cheese. I don't know. I'm a stickler like that.<br /><br />So, here are the changes I made and liked it <b><i>much</i></b> better:<br /><br />4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />1 onion, chopped<br />1 can cream of chicken soup<br />1 can diced green chiles<br />salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste<br />2 boxes Zatarains Yellow Rice<br />1 can whole kernel corn<br />4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded<br /><br />I put the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Use less salt than you usually do b/c the cream of chicken soup and the yellow rice have added salt.<br /><br />Top with chopped onion, can of green chiles (the small can) and spoon soup on top of that. Put the lid on, cook on high for 7-8 hrs.<br /><br />With the last few minutes of cooking, add can of corn, cooked rice and cheese. Stir it all in and let warm through and melt cheese.<br /><br />The green chiles added extra flavor, but was not spicy. I love green chiles, but if they are not your thing, you could do a can of diced tomatoes or chop up some bell peppers or something. I just think it needs some kind of extra flavor.<br /><br />I also sprinkled cheese on top before serving. You know, the "cheesy" thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_dhmY1-WZk/UDrYNenoKEI/AAAAAAAABK8/S7b3l3t9yWQ/s1600/cheesy%2Bchicken%2Brice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_dhmY1-WZk/UDrYNenoKEI/AAAAAAAABK8/S7b3l3t9yWQ/s400/cheesy%2Bchicken%2Brice.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Enjoy!</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-1945696713778226612012-08-24T17:55:00.000-07:002012-08-26T19:54:23.777-07:00Salted Caramels <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tgUqvCvcOo/UDfhOoTApnI/AAAAAAAABIk/Y2iMGtKbTww/s1600/salted%2Bcaramel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tgUqvCvcOo/UDfhOoTApnI/AAAAAAAABIk/Y2iMGtKbTww/s400/salted%2Bcaramel.jpg" /></a></div><br />The best part about these cute little chewy, tasty treats is that I made them in the <i>microwave</i>.<br /><br />I found this on pinterest. The only change to the recipe that I made was to add vanilla extract and sea salt.<br /><br />It heats up in 7 min in the microwave and no thermometer needed. Way cool!<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1/4 cup butter<br />1/2 cup granulated suger<br />1/2 cup brown sugar<br />1/2 cup light Karo syrup<br />1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk<br />1/4 tsp vanilla extract<br />sea salt<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIcRQQaDi44/UDgcQCMV9lI/AAAAAAAABI4/kGiTnW0deb4/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIcRQQaDi44/UDgcQCMV9lI/AAAAAAAABI4/kGiTnW0deb4/s400/ingredients.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe mixing bowl. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDekCbjD9SE/UDgcdjsg5bI/AAAAAAAABJE/nZsGABkNosk/s1600/combine%2Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDekCbjD9SE/UDgcdjsg5bI/AAAAAAAABJE/nZsGABkNosk/s400/combine%2Ball.jpg" /></a></div><br />I had little helpers :)<br /><br />Heat in microwave (at full power) for 7 min, stirring every 1.5 to 2 min. Stir in vanilla extract.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL6VXM_Ql4g/UDgctOTJrsI/AAAAAAAABJQ/dbECF4s0Eeo/s1600/stir%2Bbubbly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL6VXM_Ql4g/UDgctOTJrsI/AAAAAAAABJQ/dbECF4s0Eeo/s400/stir%2Bbubbly.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pour hot mixture into buttered 8x8 baking dish, sprinkle with sea salt immediately and cool in refrigerator about 20 min.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYOdktjSq-w/UDgc88tvnCI/AAAAAAAABJc/YSRrL13cusw/s1600/pour%252C%2Bsalt%252C%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYOdktjSq-w/UDgc88tvnCI/AAAAAAAABJc/YSRrL13cusw/s400/pour%252C%2Bsalt%252C%2Bset.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cut the caramels into squares and wrap in wax paper. To cut these, I sprayed the knife with cooking spray and used an up and down motion rather than trying to pull the knife through the caramel. <br /><br />I needed to clean the knife and reapply the cooking spray a couple of times. Cutting was significantly easier in the beginning, but about half way through, the caramel got very stretchy and came out more like globs than nice squares. Since, I was wrapping them, the shape didn't matter as I was rolling them into little logs anyway. If you weren't wrapping these and wanted to present them a different way, you'll need to work very fast or maybe put them back in the fridge halfway through to keep them looking neat.<br /><br />Good news is, the caramels easily came out of the pan, no mess at all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mI3DBiJ0o50/UDgez9ci1cI/AAAAAAAABJo/0mgP0moN5bA/s1600/caramels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mI3DBiJ0o50/UDgez9ci1cI/AAAAAAAABJo/0mgP0moN5bA/s400/caramels.jpg" /></a></div><br />This made about 45 caramels, but as you can see in the picture, I wasn't very consistent with the size of them and some were way too big, so this recipe could probably make a few more.<br /><br />They turned out just as good as any stovetop-constant stirring til your arm falls off-candy thermometer requiring-caramels, in my opinion. And they were super easy!<br /><br />Some of the caramels did stick to the wax paper for some reason. I'm not sure why some did and some didn't. It wasn't terrible, just required a little extra peeling off of wax paper. I thought about maybe spraying the paper squares with cooking spray before wrapping, but I think that may make a greasy mess. Maybe wrap them in cellophane instead? I don't know.<br /><br />But I like the look of the wax paper wrapped candies in this vintage-y blue candy dish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBkgOq3ifQo/UDggNsxnQfI/AAAAAAAABJ0/rxvWsz5YrGI/s1600/vintage%2Bdish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBkgOq3ifQo/UDggNsxnQfI/AAAAAAAABJ0/rxvWsz5YrGI/s400/vintage%2Bdish.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Enjoy!</b><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up with these great parties (they're kind of a big deal):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517 /CamilleBeckstrand/button3copy.jpg" alt="SixSistersStuff.com" width="150" height="150" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://bit.ly/e1sS3c" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/?s=get+schooled+saturday" title="Too Much Time On My Hands" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m566/kimtoomuchtime/gss150button.png" alt="Too Much Time On My Hands" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" target="_blank" title="{nifty trifty things}"><img alt="{nifty button}" src="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunday_button.png" width="130" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/shine3.png"/></a><center></center></center><a href="http://www.pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/"_blank"><img src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee431/amieirwin/Pink%20Hippo/PinkHippo005-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Pink Hippo Party" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-43984886227889166922012-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:002012-08-14T14:39:10.360-07:00Bacon and Cheese Egg Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-JktoGdePM/UCrA9q-VGPI/AAAAAAAABEg/bd-YhxuM0Q4/s1600/toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-JktoGdePM/UCrA9q-VGPI/AAAAAAAABEg/bd-YhxuM0Q4/s400/toast.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have seen this called "Egg in a Hole" and "Egg in a Basket". <br /><br />It's a super simple recipe that I just changed up a bit by adding some bacon and cheese.<br /><br />Simply cut a hole in the middle of your sliced bread. I used whole wheat sandwich bread, but you could use any kind of bread. A big thick Texas toast would be good for this recipe. <br /><br />I sprayed the baking sheet with cooking spray, buttered the bread and cut out a hole (use a cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or free-hand it). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9nZkg9luvw/UCrB9a0_dGI/AAAAAAAABEs/DikraEw-hjQ/s1600/cut%2Bholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9nZkg9luvw/UCrB9a0_dGI/AAAAAAAABEs/DikraEw-hjQ/s400/cut%2Bholes.jpg" /></a></div><br />Crack the egg in the hole, sprinkle salt and pepper over the egg, top with cooked, crumbled bacon and some shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it in a 400 degree oven and watch closely until it is cooked to your liking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTTdLh0oD0/UCrCHsJkSAI/AAAAAAAABE4/yUTK33RNe7U/s1600/bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTTdLh0oD0/UCrCHsJkSAI/AAAAAAAABE4/yUTK33RNe7U/s400/bake.jpg" /></a></div><br />I baked the piece that was cut out (and also buttered) as well. The idea is to cook the egg sunny side up and use the extra piece to dip in the runny yolks. I, however, baked this until the yolks were hard. You can see in the pic it is quite toasty. Since I was serving this to kids, it was less messy than runny yolks, but really it should be cooked less than I did here.<br /><br />Serve it up and watch your kids ponder how the egg got in there :)<br /><br />What I should have done was make fun shapes like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIZIRNoKv9U/UCrDtlJc1fI/AAAAAAAABFE/nzPle9CCkTM/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="217" width="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIZIRNoKv9U/UCrDtlJc1fI/AAAAAAAABFE/nzPle9CCkTM/s400/heart.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9wA9VVv30g/UCrD0WR0WrI/AAAAAAAABFQ/HnsrPIMkPiE/s1600/star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="259" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9wA9VVv30g/UCrD0WR0WrI/AAAAAAAABFQ/HnsrPIMkPiE/s400/star.jpg" /></a></div><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-12112184304767538242012-08-07T11:38:00.002-07:002012-08-08T13:37:42.609-07:00Kids "Sushi Bento" Lunch Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN4tYxl8nrA/UCFcfleb9_I/AAAAAAAABDY/iVn0Kr8viTE/s1600/sushi%2Bbento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN4tYxl8nrA/UCFcfleb9_I/AAAAAAAABDY/iVn0Kr8viTE/s400/sushi%2Bbento.jpg" /></a></div><br />For my daughter's first day of 5th grade, I decided to make her a surprise lunch. She loves sushi and her and I enjoy having girl's sushi night out since the boys in our house are not big fans of sushi. So, her lunch was a sushi themed bento box :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moG1WNeASmo/UCFdOQnCbAI/AAAAAAAABDk/JB6SjXYWkgY/s1600/tortilla%2Bpinwheel%2Bsushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-moG1WNeASmo/UCFdOQnCbAI/AAAAAAAABDk/JB6SjXYWkgY/s400/tortilla%2Bpinwheel%2Bsushi.jpg" /></a></div><br />These are tortilla pinwheels made with spinach tortillas, ranch cream cheese, turkey and olives (Amelia loves olives).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikLq1IzI9mY/UCFdie17qCI/AAAAAAAABDw/w1Vsd_WfVJI/s1600/veggie%2Bfruit%2Bsushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikLq1IzI9mY/UCFdie17qCI/AAAAAAAABDw/w1Vsd_WfVJI/s400/veggie%2Bfruit%2Bsushi.jpg" /></a></div><br />On the side, are cucumber rolls (cucumber slices rolled around sticky sushi rice and carrot sticks) and fruit skewers (green grapes and blueberries).<br /><br />The sushi rice was from Alton Brown's recipe (from Food Network):<br /><br />Ingredients<br />2 cups sushi or short grain rice<br />2 cups water, plus extra for rinsing rice<br />2 tablespoons rice vinegar<br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />1 tablespoon kosher salt<br /><br />Directions<br />Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.<br /><br />Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.<br /><br />Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi.<br /><br />This was very easy to make and the rice was really tasty all by itself. It's perfect for any recipe that may call for sticky rice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh747CpC7uE/UCFeac4QjZI/AAAAAAAABD8/lzltOqM72Gc/s1600/desert%2Bsushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh747CpC7uE/UCFeac4QjZI/AAAAAAAABD8/lzltOqM72Gc/s400/desert%2Bsushi.jpg" /></a></div><br />The dessert sushi were Little Debbie blueberry creme rolls sliced and rice krispy treats with swedish fish and fruit by the foot to resemble sashimi.<br /><br />The chopsticks are stainless steel chopsticks that I found at Lee Lee's (local Asian supermarket).<br /><br />It was super fun to make, but far more time consuming than packing school lunch should ever be. It's Pb&j the rest of the year :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjBzkcQnXgc/UCFfc2DQb0I/AAAAAAAABEI/u9wXQjyiqAs/s1600/sushi%2Bpartner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjBzkcQnXgc/UCFfc2DQb0I/AAAAAAAABEI/u9wXQjyiqAs/s400/sushi%2Bpartner.jpg" /></a></div><br />"To my favorite sushi partner: Have a great first day of 5th grade! Love you, Mom"<br /><br />Happy back to school everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up at these fabulous places:<br /><a border="0" href="http://mommybydaycrafterbynight.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff384/ashleysharee/NewTa-DaTuesdayButton.jpg" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://notjustahousewife.net" target="blank"><img border="0" src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg"/></a></center><center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do Party" /></a><br /><br /></center><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a> <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" title="I Heart Nap Time" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" alt="I Heart Nap Time" style="border:none;" /></a></div><a href="http://niftythriftythings.com" target="_blank"><img width="130" border="0px" src="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sunday_button.png"/></a><br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-11925781454863459252012-07-16T11:34:00.001-07:002012-07-16T11:38:38.842-07:00Salad Bar Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoEo15_U42Y/UARXDpaxznI/AAAAAAAABCk/IB46SA0uaaE/s1600/salad%2Bbar%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoEo15_U42Y/UARXDpaxznI/AAAAAAAABCk/IB46SA0uaaE/s400/salad%2Bbar%2B1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love salad bars. Our kids all love salad bars too. But I don't love salad bar prices. So, we had a salad bar at home instead.<br /><br />It was fun for all of us to be able to put together our own salads (just like at the salad bar). Our 6 y.o. foster daughter said it was her favorite day and I thought my salad was as good as any $8 salad I've had.<br /><br />Obviously, there is no recipe here. Just put out all the stuff you like in your salad and go at it. Most of the things I used were canned or produce that required no cooking, just wash and your done. I made hard boiled eggs and homemade ranch, that was the extent of my cooking. <br /><br />I won the prize for using the most items in my salad (I'm sure this had nothing to do with <i>me</i> being the one putting the salad bar together).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbq2bEEmFsk/UARXPDwL7cI/AAAAAAAABCw/HWAc17xF22g/s1600/salad%2Bbar%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbq2bEEmFsk/UARXPDwL7cI/AAAAAAAABCw/HWAc17xF22g/s400/salad%2Bbar%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Kidney beans, garbanzo beans, olives, green bean salad, grape tomatoes<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcoecBin-lQ/UARXb6_vfZI/AAAAAAAABC8/CtxmyO67ZVM/s1600/salad%2Bbar%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcoecBin-lQ/UARXb6_vfZI/AAAAAAAABC8/CtxmyO67ZVM/s400/salad%2Bbar%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cheese, pickles, beets, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese(not pictured), bacon bits, croutons, assortment of dressing (including homemade ranch).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiXnKq_9X-I/UARX0c1kMSI/AAAAAAAABDI/cfdTASaJKws/s1600/ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiXnKq_9X-I/UARX0c1kMSI/AAAAAAAABDI/cfdTASaJKws/s400/ranch.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love making ranch at home. It's super easy and tastes so much better than anything you can get in a bottle.<br /><br />There really isn't a recipe as it is all done to taste and personal preference. But, here's how I make it:<br /><br />*1 part mayo (any kind - light, fat free, olive oil mayo, whatever)<br />*1 part sour cream (any kind - light, fat free)<br /><br />(if you like a more sour flavor, change the ratio to more sour cream than mayo) If I were not using equal parts, I'd use more mayo than sour cream but that's my personal preference.<br /><br />*Milk (any kind) to thin to your preference. If you like a thick ranch, use less milk, more milk for thin ranch.<br /><br />*Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder - to taste<br /><br />In this <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2011/06/bbq-chicken-salad-sandwiches.html">recipe</a>, I actually use real measurements for a thin ranch coleslaw, if you must measure.<br /><br />This was perfect for our large family and would be good for a get together. I imagine there would be tons of leftovers for a smaller group though. What would you put in your salad bar? <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-72309246054405023472012-05-23T12:06:00.000-07:002012-05-23T12:28:38.834-07:00Orange Almond Blueberry Loaf<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF8ueIAz1rs/T70xT5pKfZI/AAAAAAAAA_I/C0ZRFJ937E4/s1600/oab%2Bbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF8ueIAz1rs/T70xT5pKfZI/AAAAAAAAA_I/C0ZRFJ937E4/s400/oab%2Bbread.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is a sweet bread made from a doctored cake mix that, yes, I just invented in my own head. I love doctoring cake mixes! It's fast and easy and there are so many different flavor combinations you can make up.<br /><br />Cake:<br /><br />1 box yellow cake mix<br />3 eggs (from box directions)<br />1/3 cup oil (from box directions)<br />1 cup orange juice (in place of 1 cup water from box)<br />1 container orange yogurt<br />zest of one orange<br />1/4 tsp almond extract<br />1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and coated in 1Tbsp flour<br /><br />Glaze:<br /><br />1 cup powdered sugar<br />2 Tbsp orange juice<br />1/2 tsp almond extract<br /><br />Mix the cake according to box directions (if your box cake mix calls for different amount of oil, eggs, water, go with what is on the box). In place of the 1 cup water, I used 1 cup OJ. I added 1/4 tsp almond extract. I also added 1 container orange yogurt:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQbgrZAeROY/T70y_W7sPSI/AAAAAAAAA_U/9zyJhX4TEBY/s1600/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQbgrZAeROY/T70y_W7sPSI/AAAAAAAAA_U/9zyJhX4TEBY/s400/yogurt.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the zest of one orange:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QxYmceuGHw/T70zH5XBM8I/AAAAAAAAA_g/tCdJr04tDWU/s1600/doctored%2Bcake%2Bmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QxYmceuGHw/T70zH5XBM8I/AAAAAAAAA_g/tCdJr04tDWU/s400/doctored%2Bcake%2Bmix.jpg" /></a></div><br />Coat 1 cup blueberries in 1 Tbsp flour:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Leq0NgUmNZ4/T700VtRxHVI/AAAAAAAABAE/0z9m0xNaW-I/s1600/blueberry%2Bflour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Leq0NgUmNZ4/T700VtRxHVI/AAAAAAAABAE/0z9m0xNaW-I/s400/blueberry%2Bflour.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have no idea what purpose coating the blueberries in flour serves, but I have seen it in other recipes, so I did it too :) Ha Ha!<br /><br />Fold blueberries into batter:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JglwaNYuWJE/T700lCT0qUI/AAAAAAAABAQ/1j2f5w4hw6Q/s1600/mix%2Bin%2Bblueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JglwaNYuWJE/T700lCT0qUI/AAAAAAAABAQ/1j2f5w4hw6Q/s400/mix%2Bin%2Bblueberries.jpg" /></a></div><br />Bake at 350 degrees in a greased and floured loaf pan (a bundt pan would be good too) for 60min.<br /><br />Cool on a wire rack. Make glaze.<br /><br />Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2Tbsp orange juice and 1/2 tsp almond extract. Once cake is cool, but still slightly warm, pour glaze over cake and let cool completely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUVFgp69Mtw/T70zzeZvMfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/SaK0RkdKsU0/s1600/icing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUVFgp69Mtw/T70zzeZvMfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/SaK0RkdKsU0/s400/icing.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once completely cool, slice and EAT!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTS27cVGlCk/T70z-GcsVeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GttlYkaj1yc/s1600/bread%2Bslices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTS27cVGlCk/T70z-GcsVeI/AAAAAAAAA_4/GttlYkaj1yc/s400/bread%2Bslices.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up here:<br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/polkadotbutton.png"/></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208310044653518414.post-47885637765992644122012-05-20T14:39:00.000-07:002012-12-02T08:39:13.917-08:00Crock Pot Chicken - Revisited<br />Ok, I already posted this recipe <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/03/crock-pot-chicken-3-ways.html">here</a>. But, it was so easy and so versatile and so tasty, I feel it really needs another mention. This time, I have pictures of the super simple process to make this chicken.<br /><br />2 1/2 lbs, bonless, skinless chicken breast<br />1 package taco seasoning mix<br />1 jar green salsa<br /><br />Last time, I made more chicken (about 3 1/2 lbs) and it worked well with that amount too. I didn't adjust the other ingredients for less chicken this time and it still came out great.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZysxIXvsNw8/T7lijHLwNrI/AAAAAAAAA-E/OjcZNW7SZ-c/s1600/crockpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZysxIXvsNw8/T7lijHLwNrI/AAAAAAAAA-E/OjcZNW7SZ-c/s400/crockpot.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here are my super simple ingredients, next to my very retro looking crock pot.<br /><br />Dump in the chicken, empty seasoning packet over chicken, pour salsa over all of that, plop on the lid and cook on low for 6-8hrs. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8rOumZVZx8/T7ljVGhn1WI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/-aRMD4d33Ao/s1600/3%2Bingrediens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8rOumZVZx8/T7ljVGhn1WI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/-aRMD4d33Ao/s400/3%2Bingrediens.jpg" /></a></div><br />Shred the chicken right in the pot with a fork (it just falls apart). Then stuff your face!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf213_iA3o0/T7ljmXhHAZI/AAAAAAAAA-c/mmzDRjmjdBo/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf213_iA3o0/T7ljmXhHAZI/AAAAAAAAA-c/mmzDRjmjdBo/s400/chicken.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This recipe was enough for our family of 7 to have green enchiladas and chicken tacos and still have plenty left over for lunches the next day.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://makingoverthemartins.blogspot.com/2012/03/crock-pot-chicken-3-ways.html">this post </a>for several recipes I've used this chicken in.<br /><br />Easy Peasy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jessnoreply@blogger.com0